PARTICK THISTLE have thrown out a £30,000 bid from Blackpool for defender Stephen O'Donnell.

The right-back is out of contract at the end of the season and has been has been attracting interest from a number of clubs, with former Jags boss Jackie McNamara one of his suitors.

The Tannadice side have already informed Thistle of their intention to speak to O'Donnell regarding a switch in the summer, but Blackpool last night made their move to land the 22-year-old this month.

SportTimes understands the five-figure bid is well below the club's valuation, with boss Alan Archibald determined to hold on to O'Donnell for the rest of the campaign.

The Seasiders could come back in with an improved offer for O'Donnell or look to beat United to his signature and take him south of the border in the summer.

Speaking ahead of Thistle's Premiership clash with St Johnstone tomorrow, Archibald reiterated his desire to keep one of his key players at Firhill as he gets set for crunch deal talks with his out-of-contract stars.

Archie said: "Dundee United have made us aware that they are interested in Stephen, but they haven't made a bid.

"It doesn't really matter what the money is because we can't afford to let him go unless it was crazy money.

"He's our only full-back who is fit and available, along with Dale Keenan, so we're in a position where we can't let him go. Jackie phoned me to make me aware, but looking towards the summer.

"Stephen will have a lot of interest in him from other clubs because he's a young player available for free at the end of the season."

Thistle's clash with Ross County was postponed last weekend due to a power cut, leaving them with just 90 minutes of action this year.

The Jags travel to Perth aiming to move within five points of the Saints.

Archibald said: "The postponement at least allowed Dan Seaborne and Gary Fraser extra training time, but Gary is ill again and won't make this one.

"Sean Welsh is back training, Christie Elliot has got a wee knock and Jordan McMillan is obviously out."