Dundee United's Calum Butcher hopes to agree terms on a new deal with the Tannadice club this week.

Butcher's contract expires soon and he has been offered a new deal to remain on Tayside after joining from English outfit Hayes and Yeading two years ago.

The 24-year-old has become an important part of Jackie McNamara's side who today aim to defeat Dundee to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for Europe, although they also require Aberdeen to beat St Johnstone to ensure they finish fourth, while also rooting for Inverness to see off Falkirk in the Scottish Cup final next weekend.

Butcher is happy to extend his stay in Scotland but says it is approaching crunch time if they are to strike a deal.

"Next week is probably the week to finalise it if it's going to get done," he said. "Hopefully we can get this game out of the way, get a good result and we'll talk about it next week. I haven't spoken to anyone else. Once the season is finished, I can sit down with my family and agent and come up with a plan.

"I definitely feel as if moving to Dundee United has enhanced my career."

Should the Londoner sign a new deal, he hopes to be joined by Nadir Ciftci and John Souttar who have both been linked with summer moves to champions Celtic.

Ciftci and Souttar have been offered extended contracts and Butcher rates the pair highly.

"We've got a young side and a lot of players still coming through. I don't think we've seen the best of the youngsters yet.

"There has been speculation about players leaving and of course that is a worry because Nadir and Soapy [Souttar] in particular are big players for us and you don't want to lose your best players. I know they are both happy here. "

Butcher who began his career at Spurs, has experience of the North London youth derby with foes Arsenal, and is a fan of derby day.

"This is massive for us. We want to finish fourth. Dundee's tails will be up after winning the last derby and will want to stop us achieving our aim.

"It's a great way to end the season. Of course, we want to make amends for what happened in April when we lost 3-1 at Dens."