Dundee United could face a fight to hold on to three of their young stars after turning down tentative enquiries from English clubs.

Gavin Gunning, Gary Mackay-Steven and Johnny Russell are all attracting interest from south of the border, having impressed with Peter Houston’s side this season.

STV understands the Tannadice club have rejected the approach for two of the players this week, who were subject to offers of over £1m.

Mackay-Steven, 21, was signed from Airdrie United in the summer having been picked up by the Diamonds after two injury-plagued years as part of Liverpool’s youth system.

The Scotland Under-21 cap has impressed on the wing for Peter Houston’s side, scoring five goals in 35 appearances this season.

Forward Russell, 22, made his debut for the club in May 2007 and has scored 25 goals in 71 appearances, including 14 goals in 42 games this term.

Both players were nominated for PFA Scotland’s young player of the year award this season, a prize which was eventually won by Celtic winger James Forrest.

Gunning, recruited from Blackburn Rovers after a successful loan spell at Motherwell last season, was named in the PFA Scotland team of the year.

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