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.
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.
Paul Dixon (True, in talks)
Defender. The 21-year-olds contract with Dundee expired at the end of the 07/08 season, but Dundee would still be due compensation if he signed for United, because he is under 24. Also linked with Kilmarnock.
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, is on trial with Dundee)
Midfielder. There was some speculation linking Miller with a return to Tannadice after he was released by Lierse, but instead he has joined 1st division side Dundee on trial.
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.
I hope Levein can get some good players into the club this year. He done a great job last year. I’ll be wanting Celtic to win the league obviously lol but hope United can get 2nd!! They are the best team in the SPL apart from Celtic anyway.
I think Levein has made some good sigings. If we can add a playmaker come winger, keep Flood and add a new striker then we will be a good bet for third place and a cup. I’d love second. I’m sick of Celtic fans who who say United are there second team. I have only one team and thats United. I dont give a toss about anyone else. Both Glasgow teams are as bad as each other.