Breaking: The Tangerines closing in on deal to sign 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international

Following Cheltenham’s relegation, the former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international seems likely to join Tannadice.

Will Ferry, a Cheltenham Town defender, is likely to join Scottish Premiership side Dundee United this summer.

The Robins offered the 23-year-old a new contract, and because he is under 24, he would have had to pay a fee to join another English team, but he may travel north of the border for free.

Ferry joined Cheltenham in summer 2022 after leaving Southampton, where he had advanced through the youth levels and spent time on loan at Crawley Town.

He appeared in 82 games for the Robins in all competitions, primarily as a left wing-back but also as a wide forward on occasion.

Ferry scored twice for the club, including the winning goal against Port Vale at home on February 17 and an equalizer in a 2-1 loss to Oxford United three weeks later.

He was one of Darrell Clarke’s most consistent performances in League One, but he couldn’t keep them from being relegated on the final day of the season against Stevenage.

Last season, Dundee United won the Scottish Championship, ensuring an immediate return to the top level under manager Jim Goodwin.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Luke Southwood’s exit from Cheltenham has been confirmed, and he is attracting attention from the Championship and League One.

With Sean Long and Liam Sercombe both going for Forest Green Rovers, attacker George Lloyd is the sole remaining out-of-contract player, although Gloucestershire Live knows he has League One suitors.

Cheltenham are on the verge of confirming Michael Flynn as their new head coach following the departure of Darrell Clarke to Barnsley last week.

They are also reportedly interested in Torquay United striker Aaron Jarvis.