Ryan McGowan leaves Dundee United for China return

Ryan McGowan has left Dundee United to return to China after agreeing a deal with Henan Jianye.

Ryan McGowan has left Dundee United after a year at the club. Picture: SNS

The former Hearts defender previously played in the country with Shandong Taishan, who he joined after leaving Tynecastle.

He was encouraged to return to Scotland in last year’s January transfer window by then Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara.

However, things didn’t work out too well at Tannadice as United slipped down the table, sacked McNamara, and currently find themselves 14 points adrift at the bottom.

McGowan’s contract was due to expire this summer, though it is believed United have managed to secure a fee for the player’s early release. The transfer is rumoured to be in the region of £350,000.

The 26-year-old made 42 appearances during his time in Dundee. He previously played 71 times for Hearts after coming through the club’s youth academy and scored in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final win over rivals Hibs.