The ex-Hearts, Rangers and Manchester City centre-half finished last term with Walsall, but is a free agent, and has been speaking to a number of clubs on both sides of the border.

And Ian stressed today it was not certain he would be one of what are set to be several arrivals.

“Paul Ritchie is one of the defenders we have been looking at and, at the moment, that’s about all I can say. What I would add is that he certainly has the kind of pedigree we want,” said Ian.

“We are considering others as well, though, and as well as a defender, I would like to be able to bring in a goalkeeper and a midfielder before our first game, But we’ll have to see how things go.”

At Dundee, Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Kelvin Jack arrived today and trained with the squad.

Jack, who had a trial with the Dark Blues in the Caribbean last year, travelled from England where he was with Reading last season and recently had a trial with Oldham, but failed to agree a deal.

Dundee have been in the market for another keeper since Julian Speroni’s switch to Crystal Palace.

But, although Jack comes with international experience, Derek Soutar is expected to be in the team for Saturday’s home clash with Hearts.

Midfielder Neil Barrett, who has been troubled by a hamstring problem, could also make the squad for that one after getting 45 minutes in yesterday’s game at Tayport.

“That’s Neil back in full training now and he will be building up to Saturday with the rest of the boys. Everyone else who played at Tayport came through fine and, although we were disappointed to lose 1-0, that was a bonus,” said coach Ray Farningham.

Meanwhile, Dougie Cameron could be set for a move to St Mirren.

Back at United, the manager reported he had no fresh injury worries following Saturday’s impressive 4-2 win over Dutch Premier Division side Den Haag.

“After the injuries we picked up during the pre-season, that was a bonus. David McCracken needs games after missing a few, but the 90 minutes against Den Haag will have done him a lot of good.”