Sam Dalby, a striker for Dundee United, acknowledges that he would be happy if there was a lot of interest in him this summer.
Last Friday, parent club Wrexham elected not to activate a recall clause in Dalby’s loan deal, securing his immediate future at Dundee United.
Jim Goodwin, the manager of United, and the supporters who had witnessed Dalby’s goal-scoring prowess this season were greatly relieved.
Despite United’s 3-1 loss to Rangers on Sunday, the 25-year-old went ahead of Kyogo in the league’s top scorers chart with his 11th goal of the Premiership season.
Dalby will have to make a choice because he has been essential to the Terrors as they aim to play in Europe next season.
Will he be seduced by the prospect of competing on the continental scene, or will Dalby find it impossible to refuse Wrexham’s current contract offer?
Dalby after Dundee United loan stay was approved
Asked about his future beyond the summer, Dalby said: “Yes, of course. A lot of interest at the end of the season would obviously be good but I’m not really looking at that right now.
“I’m just trying to take it game by game and just help my team out. Obviously, Dundee United’s a great place to be and I’m really happy here.
“To be honest, I would say I’ll not think about it until the end of the season, really, once the season’s finished.
“We’re in a good position in the league and I just want to focus game by game to help my team and try and stay up the table.”
Dalby’s immediate future was up in the air until last Friday and he admits he was no wiser than the fans who awaited Wrexham’s decision to potentially recall the striker.
He continued: “The (Dundee United) fans have welcomed me with open arms and the staff and fans and all the players have been really good to me.
“So, yes, I’m happy to be here. I’ve tried not to think about it, but it’s something that probably, subconsciously, maybe I have.
“I literally had no idea what was happening. Wrexham didn’t really give me much of a clue.
“But, yes, I’m happy that I know I’m definitely staying here for the rest of the season and I can just focus on every game that we’re going into.”
Phil Parkinson explains Dalby decision
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has since had his say on Dalby after the striker was allowed to stay on at Dundee United.
Parkinson reiterated it was the Wrexham management team’s decision, which was made partly because Dalby was keen to see out the campaign at Tannadice.
The Wrexham manager said: “It was up to us, we made the decision. He’s our player and we just decided that we want to see him finish the season up there.
“I spoke with Sam, and he expressed a strong desire to remain up there. It has been a fantastic fit for him, and he has found a solid rhythm.
“We’ve discussed a new contract with him and his agent, and it’s still in the early stages, but he needs to continue doing what he’s doing until the end of the season, and we’ll see where it takes us.”
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