Town are set to make a £450,000 move for Dundee United midfielder Morgaro Gomis, according to one of Sunday's tabloids.

Boss Roy Keane recently watched the 23-year-old in action at Celtic when he put in a man of the match display as his side lost 2-1 at Parkhead.

Gomis was initially reported to be Keane's reason for making the trip, although the Blues had previously been mentioned in connection with Celtic's Paul Hartley. Later reports linked Bhoys defender Bobo Balde, although the Guinean didn't play in the match and is now set for a pre-season trial with long-time admirers Birmingham.

Central midfielder Gomis was born in Paris but recently won his first two full caps with Senegal, the country where his parents were born.

He started his career with Montpellier but, after failing to impress in trials with Chelsea, German side Freiburg and Swiss club Lausane-Sport, ended up in English non-league with Windsor and Eton, Dagenham and Redbridge, Barnet and then Lewes.

In July 2006 Gomis moved on to Scottish Second Division side Cowdenbeath and, after only five months with the Blue Brazil, Dundee United manager Craig Levein took him to Tannadice for a trial. The 5ft 9in tall midfielder impressed and was signed in the January 2007 transfer window.

His boss at Cowdenbeath, former Finland international Mixu Paatelainen, outlined his attributes before his current side Hibs faced Dundee United and Gomis in the SPL last season: "Morgaro is a fantastic player. He is positive, happy and so hard-working.

"We initially took him on trial at Cowdenbeath and his attitude was good, but he also possesses great technical ability.

"Although a small guy he's strong on the ball and a good tackler. We played him as a defensive midfielder as I felt his passing from deeper areas was good for us. He plays more offensively for United, so that shows he can do many jobs.”

Gomis has made 94 starts and four sub appearances for Dundee United, scoring two goals.

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