Dundee United are bracing themselves for an official bid from Middlesbrough for winger Craig Conway.
After months of speculation, the npower Championship club have informed United they are going to make an offer for the 25-year-old, but United manager Peter Houston has told Boro boss Gordon Strachan that he will not get the Scotland international on the cheap.
"Middlesbrough have sent an email saying they are going to make a bid," Houston said. "Craig is an honest lad and if the move comes off for him then great - but we haven't seen the colour of their money yet."
He added: "I'm sure if they are sending an email on a Saturday then a bid is imminent.
"I would rather they didn't make a bid as I would prefer we kept Craig Conway. His mind must be in turmoil but I can't prevent that.
"The one thing we can prevent is if the bid is not the proper estimation of what myself and the chairman think, then they won't get him."
Houston admitted he may have made a mistake playing Conway on Sunday as United slumped to a shock 4-0 home defeat by Clydesdale Bank Premier League newcomers Inverness.
"That may have been going through his head as I didn't think he performed anywhere near his usual standards," Houston said.
Source: PA
