And, if Miller is to head to the Granite City, the Dons will have to find cash from somewhere to meet United’s demands and the player’s six-figure salary.

In the past, big-earners leaving Tannadice have done so with sizeable pay-offs in their hippers — Pittodrie striker Stevie Crawford is a prime example — but, as of David Fernandez’s departure for Kilmarnock last week, those days are gone.

That means United will refuse to hand players a lump sum to make up for any wage cut they have to take by going. Despite that, however, there remains a slim chance of a deal being done with Aberdeen in the next few hours, especially after Crawford completed his on-off move to Dunfermline this afternoon.

If one is, the big question will be who the man heading to Tayside is — Steve Lovell and Richie Byrne have been mentioned, but neither are on Craig Brewster’s wanted list and will not be part of any package.

Meanwhile, after the recent improvement in results, the first-team squad at Tannadice have been given a four-day break.

When they report back on Monday, defender Lee Mair is expected to join in training following his recent knee trouble.