Jim Goodwin wants Will Ferry to sign new Dundee United deal

Jim Goodwin has revealed that Dundee United will attempt to extend Will Ferry’s contract.

The 25-year-old wing-back – named William Hill Premiership Player of the Month for April – has emerged as one of United’s key players over the past two seasons since joining from Cheltenham.

Blackburn became the latest club to be linked with Ferry, whose deal expires in the summer of 2027.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, yes,” said Goodwin when asked if he would like to tie the Irishman down on a longer contract.

“From a manager’s point of view, I always want to try and keep my best players. From the club’s perspective, I understand that there’s a player trading model in place.

“In order for that to work, we have to sign good, young, talented players, develop them, raise their profile and if our valuation is met at some point in the future, then we’re no different to any other club.

“Will knows what I think of him on a personal level. His performances over the last two years have been extremely consistent. It’s no surprise to me that he is on the radar of a number of other clubs. We will offer Will Ferry an extension on his contract.

“Regardless (of whether he extends), if our valuation is not met for the player, then he’s under contract for next season and he’ll remain here. We’ll have to see what the summer brings.”

Goodwin, whose side visit Kilmarnock on Saturday, expects Ferry to be on the radar of several clubs.

“A lot of recruitment now all over Europe is very data-driven,” said the manager. “Will’s numbers over the last two years, both defensively and in terms of assisting goals and obviously now lately adding goals to his game, he will be really high up on a lot of teams’ lists.

“That’s what we want as a club. At the end of the day, it means that we’re doing something right. Every player within our squad has got a valuation. If that valuation is met, then we’ve got a decision to make as a club.”