Dundee United are ready to rescue Andy Tod from his Bradford City exile.

Talks are underway for Tod to return to Scotland on a free transfer.

City are also still keen to bring back goalkeeper Alan Combe after his superb loan spell last season. But that will not happen before the summer.

Tod cannot play another game for the Bantams or it will trigger a £25,000 appearance payment with Dunfermline, who have also been linked with Juanjo.

City do not have the cash to pay - and a deal for Tod, pictured, would appeal.

With Scotland in the middle of their winter break, Dundee United boss Paul Hegarty has been down to the Bradford & Bingley Stadium for talks about the player.

Hegarty, who also watched Tod's last game against Wolves, said: "I would be keen to have another look at Andy and I prefer to see players playing with their own club because that is definitely the best way of judging what they can do.

"However, if we reached a situation where getting them up for training was the only way to have a look at them then that's something we would probably do.

"Unfortunately in Andy's case when I watched him play against Wolves he was used up front by Bradford and I want to see him operating in his natural position at the back."

Boss Nicky Law is sympathetic with Tod's position. He said: "It's a bizarre situation. Andy's got 18 months of his contract left and we can't afford to play him.

"I feel sorry for Andy because he came in and did well in the last two games. But unfortunately it's a situation that we can't hide from.

"There are talks going on with regards Andy and Dundee United. At the moment I can't comment too much but his agent and the chairman are talking."

City are optimistic the home game with Crystal Palace tomorrow will beat the weather.

Last night's rain softened the pitch and a club spokesman said: "We are a lot more hopeful. Certainly there are no plans for an inspection."

A postponement of their only January home game would be another blow to the club's coffers.

Law said: "It's a massive game for us because of the financial implications. We can't afford to have the fixture off because there are wages and bills to be paid at the end of the month."