Dundee United step up bid to lure John Hughes from Inverness

Dundee United remain keen to bring John Hughes to Tannadice despite Inverness Caledonian Thistle refusing them permission to speak to their manager.

The Scottish Cup holders rejected advances from the Scottish Premiership's bottom club last week but Sky Sports understands the former Falkirk and Hibs boss remains top of their wishlist to replace Jackie McNamara.

Hughes, who is in the last year of his contract at the Caledonian Stadium, is taking charge of training at Inverness as usual and is expected to hold talks over his future with the board in due course.

United parted company with former Partick Thistle manager McNamara at the end of last month following a 2-1 defeat at St Johnstone.

Former Scotland and United midfielder Dave Bowman took charge of the side for the trip to Partick Thistle but a 3-0 defeat at Firhill left them rooted to the foot of the table with just one win, and five points, from their opening 10 games.

Following the loss in Glasgow, St Johnstone's Tommy Wright was linked with the Tannadice vacancy but the club quickly put out a 'hands off' statement insisting the Northern Irishman was staying for the long haul and he has now extended his deal at McDiarmid Park.

Hughes, who has also had spells in charge of Livingston and Hartlepool, was voted Scottish Football Writers Manager of the Year last season after leading the club to the first major honour of its 20-year history with a 2-1 victory over Falkirk at Hampden in May.