After a reasonably successful 2007/08 season, its not surprising that some of the current Dundee United squad are being linked with moves to bigger clubs.
Will manager Craig Levein be able to hold on to his top talent, or will they be tempted away by a bigger pay cheque?
Here are just a few of the players being linked with a move out of Dundee United during the pre-season…
—Players Out—
Christian Kalvenes (True, left under freedom of contract)
Defender. The 31-year-old quit Tannadice after his contract expired at the end of the 2007/08 season. He has returned to Norway for family reasons, describing it as ‘tough to leave” Dundee United after 2-years at the club. He joined from SK Brann Bergen in August 2006.
Mark Kerr (True, left under freedom of contract)
Midfielder. The 26-year-old left Dundee United when his contract expired at the end of the 2007/08 season. He joined Tannadice in July 2003, after 5 years at Falkirk as a Trainee.
Kerr has been linked with moves to Hearts, Aberdeen, Leeds, Burnley, Coventry, Leicester and Doncaster.
Steven Robb (True, signed for St Mirren)
Midfielder. The 26-year-old has been plagued with injuries during his short spell at Tannadice, after leaving Dundee under freedom of contract in June 2006. He was told by Dundee United that he would be released at the end of the 2007/08 season, signing for SPL rivals Saint Mirren at the end of May 2008.
Euan McLean (True, signed for Saint Johnstone)
Goalkeeper. The 22-year-old was released by Dundee United at the end of the 2007/08 season after only 8 appearances since joining as a youth player in March 2005. He signed for 1st division side Saint Johnstone in May 2008.
Noel Hunt (True, likely to sign for Reading)
Striker. The 25-year-old Irish forward was linked with a move to Reading in June 2008, to play alongside his brother Steve at the English Championship side. Reading had a £400,000 bid rejected by United, but Hunt was rumoured to be keen on a move south. The former Shamrock Rovers and Dunfermline player was top scorer for Dundee United during the 2007/08 season, with 18 goals in 44 games. Also linked with Leeds United.
Lukasz Zaluska (Unlikely, linked with Celtic)
Goalkeeper. The 26-year-old Polish keeper was linked with a move to Parkhead in June 2008, after speculation that Celtic`s number 1 Artur Boruc was set to sign for AC Milan during the summer.
Losing Noel Hunt would be a big blow to United. He isnt just the clubs top scorer, but is involved in most of United’s attacking moves.