(Updated 1st July 2008)
Dundee United manager Craig Levein has already proven he has an eye for talent and can spot a bargain, but who has he set his sights on this summer?
Who will be part of the Dundee United squad which will play a glamour friendly against Spanish giants Barcelona, followed by a visit to Hamilton for the 1st SPL match of the season?
Here are just a few of the players being linked with a move to Dundee United during the pre-season…
—Players In—
Michael McGovern (True, has now signed)
Goalkeeper. The 23-year-old joined from Celtic, after signing a pre-contract agreement to join Dundee United on 17th June 2008.
Scott Robertson (True, has now signed)
Midfielder. The 23-year-old joined Dundee United after his contract with 1st division side Dundee expired at the end of the 07/08 season.
Andis Shala (True, has now signed)
Striker. The former VFR Mannheim player signed a 3-year deal with Dundee United on 17th June 2008, after the 19-year-old German impressed during a trial at Tannadice.
Paul Dixon (True, has now signed)
Defender. The 21-year-olds contract with Dundee expired at the end of the 07/08 season, but Dundee are still expected to receive £25,000 compensation for their former club captain, because he is still under 24.
Scott Jamieson (True, on trial)
Defender. The 19-year-old Australian will be given a chance to impress during pre-season training, after being released by Bolton.
Mark De Vries (True, in talks)
Striker. After completing a short-term contract with United last season, the 32-year-old scored 3 goals in 18 games for Craig Levein`s side after arriving in January 2008.
Willo Flood (True, in talks)
Midfielder. After a successful loan spell with United last season, Craig Levein is keen to snap up the 23-year-old Cardiff City player on a more permanent deal
Roy O’Donovan (True, United considering a loan move)
Striker. Craig Levein has admitted an interest in the 22-year-old Sunderland player, but it`s expected that he would only join United on loan for part of the 2008/09 campaign.
Paddy McCourt (True, but signed For Celtic)
Midfielder. The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Tannadice, but joined Celtic on the 19th June in a deal worth around £200,000.
Charlie Miller (False, linked with move to Australia)
Midfielder. There was some speculation linking Miller with a return to Tannadice after he was released by Lierse. He was rumoured to be joining Dundee for a pre-season trial, but has now been linked with a move to Australia.
Alan Gow (Unknown, might just be speculation)
Striker. The 25-year-old Rangers player was linked with a move to Dundee United by the Daily Record in April 2008. SPL sides Aberdeen and Hearts were also rumoured to be interested in the former Falkirk player, who has played just 2 matches for Rangers as a substitute since signing in July 2007.
Charlie Adam (Unknown, might just be speculation)
Midfielder. The 22-year-old was linked with a loan move to Tannadice at the end of the 2007/08 campaign. The Dundee born player who signed for Rangers in May 20005 and is rumoured to be a Dundee United supporter.
Liam Buchanan (Unknown, might just be speculation)
Striker. The 23-year-old joined Partick Thistle in June 2006 and was the 1st division side`s top scorer last season.
Scott Flinders (Unlikely)
Goalkeeper. The 22-year-old Crystal Palace player was linked with a loan move to Tannadice, but the deal is unlikely since United signed Celtic keeper Michael McGovern on the 17th of June.
Jim McAlister (Unknown, might just be speculation)
Midfielder. The 22-year-old Greenock Morton player was linked with a £75,000 move to Dundee United, if Craig Levein was unable to secure the services of Cardiff City midfielder Willo Flood. Nickname Jimaldinho by the Morton supporters, he has also been linked with a move to Rangers.
Lee Hughes (False, denied by Levein)
Striker. The 32-year-old Oldham Athletic player was linked with a move to Tannadice, but manager Craig Levein has denied the story. Levein says that Hughes` agent contacted the club with claims the player was out of contract, but he still has 1-year left on his Oldham deal. The player has a troubled past, but Levein admits that he wasn`t interested for football reasons only.
Leeds are also reported to be after O’Donovan from Sunderland.
I must say that it is pathetic that you couldnt retort! thick dundonians eh!