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International managers Mixu Paatelainen and Michael O'Neill are among the names being considered by Dundee United as they seek to replace Peter Houston.

Finland boss Paatelainen and Northern Ireland counterpart O'Neill are both former United players.

Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson and board members have met for informal talks to pursue targets, having drawn up a short-list.

Houston will leave the club at the end of the season.

Other managers understood to be under consideration include Falkirk's Steven Pressley, Derek Adams of Ross County, Peterhead's Jim McInally, Jackie McNamara of Partick Thistle, Alloa Athletic's Paul Hartley and free agent Derek McInnes, who has expressed interest in the vacancy.

Compensation may prove to be a stumbling block to any move for Paateleinen, while O'Neill has only been in his current job since December 2011.

Another former United player, Gary Bollan, who is currently available, says the post is "a very attractive job".