When he left ICT in January, Craig agreed not to move for any of his old players before the end of last season and, as soon as that campaign was over, he made enquiries about the trio. He has continued chasing them throughout the summer.

With less than 48 hours to go until the SPL opener against Falkirk, he is still trying to get his men.

That has not pleased the Highlanders, and chairman David Sutherland has accused United of unsettling his players and also made it clear he is not now prepared to sell any of them.

Hitting back, the Tannadice club issued a statement stating they had conducted their business in a proper manner and revealed they had now made fresh written bids for all three.

United have also said they believe the players want to speak to them and, however much ICT do not want to do business, are obviously hoping that could be a key factor in forcing a deal through.

It is understood Dods, in particular, wants to end his spell in the Highlands and could push hard to be allowed to at least listen to his old boss’ offer.

For his part, Craig was remaining diplomatic today and happy to await developments on these and another potential signing, Norwegian Christian Kalvenes.

“The situation is we have submitted fresh bids for the three players and now we will wait and see what Inverness have to say.

“I’ve also been speaking to Christian again this morning and will be back on to him later. He’s back in Norway talking things over with his wife, which I understand.

“I’ve told him, though, we want a quick answer and I need to know one way or another by the end of the day.”

Meanwhile, last night’s Scotland U/19 win over the Czech Republic in the European Championship semi-final in Poland means Greg Cameron and Garry Kenneth, who featured, will still be on international duty on Saturday and miss the Falkirk clash.

Also out of the reckoning is teenager David Goodwillie. It has been confirmed he has broken a bone in his foot and is out for four to six weeks.