IT's the news Ay r United fans have been dreading for months.

Former Somerset Park goal machine Lawrence Shankland, who blasted 34 goals last season, is poised to pen a three-year deal to join Ladbrokes Championship rivals Dundee United.

He had previously been tipped to join Portsmouth, with Hull City and  Sunderland, bossed by his former manager Jack Ross, also in the running. However the 23-year-old has opted to remain within Scotland.

Shankland scored four of the five goals in the 5-0 demolition of the Terrors at Tannadice on St Andrew's Day and his capture is a major boost for the Tayside club, who hoped to return to the Premiership at the fourth time of asking.

The signing would be a massive boost for the Tangerines as they aim to return to the Premiership at the fourth time of asking in the upcoming season.

Shanklan will be competing with proven Championship marksman Nicky Clark and Swedish hitman Osman Sow for a starting spot.