Five clubs are understood to be battling it out for midfield anchorman Kerr, 26, out of contract at Tannadice, including Gary McAllister's Leeds and Lancastrian duo Preston and Burnley, managed by McAllister's fellow Scots Alan Irvine and Owen Coyle.

The Scottish B international – in outstanding form for the Terrors last term – is available on a Bosman transfer, with Coventry, Leicester and Doncaster also rumoured to be in the hunt.

Preston and Burnley appear to be in the box seat, with Clarets boss Coyle knowing plenty about Kerr following his time as reserve-team boss at Tannadice, and he also played and managed him during a short spell at Falkirk. Kerr has also been linked with Hearts and Aberdeen, but the club would prefer selling to a club south of the border.

Meanwhile, Elland Road could also be a destination for £400,000-rated United striker Noel Hunt, 24, who is believed to also be interesting Reading – where his brother Stephen plays – Burnley, Blackpool and Nottingham Forest.

Hunt, keen to play in England, hit 18 goals for the Terrors last term and was subject of a failed £175,000 bid from Blackpool in the January transfer window.