The 29-year-old turned in another stand out performance in the narrow defeat at Celtic on Saturday, and that has only increased the determination of his manager to fix him up on a long-term deal. His present short-term contract is up in the middle of next month.

Ritchie is taking his time before signing anything and, after his good form for the Tangerines, it is known other clubs would like to get him.

Leading the way could be his former boss Jim Jefferies at Kilmarnock, though any offer would be dependant on him being able to move players out of Rugby Park.

If Ritchie does not extend his stay in the City of Discovery, United could move to end former Dundee defender Lee Mair’s unhappy spell in England.

Mair, who was a target in the close season, has struggled to hold down a place at Stockport County, who recently parted company with boss Sammy McIlroy and replaced him on Friday with Chris Turner.

While Ritchie is definitely wanted, the short stays of Karim Kerkar and Lars Hirschfeld at Tannadice could be about to come to an end.

Highly-rated Algerian international Kerkar has impressed in flashes since joining up at the beginning of September, but has failed to hold down a regular starting place and, with the budget still tight, his role as a bit-part player may prove too costly.

Canadian international Hirschfeld has also struggled to get a place. With Tony Bullock fit again and Paul Jarvie providing cover, he could be allowed to leave when his contract expires next month.

At Dundee, there has to be a doubt over the future of full-back Jonay Hernandez, who is about to enter the final six months of his contract and, accordingly, will be free to speak to other clubs.

The Venezuelan international was a late omission from the squad for the weekend win over Aberdeen and, with his preferred option likely to be a move back to the continent in the summer, there has to be a chance his departure will be brought forward.

Last summer, Tenerife, where the Spanish passport holder grew up, wanted him and they could rekindle their interest. If he does leave early, a small fee could be forthcoming and, even without that, with Hernandez one of the few big earners still on the books, it would ease the wage bill considerably. It could also pave the way for boss Jim Duffy to bring in a player, though he is still not in a position to pay a transfer fee.