Barnsley are leading the race for Ayr starlet Dylan Watret.
The 18-year-old Academy graduate is on the radar of the Yorkshire club.
Colliers boss Conor Hourihane is looking to take the United full back south.
A potential six figure deal has been discussed with the League One outfit, the Ayrshire Post understands.
Ayr are keen to explore a number of options on their prized asset, which could include a loan back to Somerset Park.
A string of clubs south of the border are tracking Watret following his breakthrough season. The teenager featured 32 times for Scott Brown's side last term.
Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are among those to have run the rule over Watret. Championship side Millwall have also declared an interest.
But it's Barnsley who have jumped to