Rumour has been rife that the big Czech had not only declined to extend his 12-month contract but also asked to be allowed to leave this month.

That was news to boss Alex Rae and, while it is obvious he suspects the player will be on his way in the summer, he will have no qualms about continuing to use his star defender.

“Over the last few weeks, we have made offers of new contracts to a few players and, as is normal, some of them have said they would prefer to keep their options open until nearer the end of the season,” he said.

“Milan is one who has not signed a new deal yet, but he certainly has not said he wants to leave now. He’s happy to play and I am happy to have him in the team.

“It’s a normal situation at this time of year. I understand players’ point of view and, so long as they are giving 100%, I do not have any problem with that.”

Several clubs are understood to be monitoring Palenik’s situation and one route for any interested party to get him now would be to stump up some cash.

With promotion in their sights, Dundee would require serious money before even considering letting anyone go now.

“There is always the chance players will leave because everybody has their price. But our priority is not selling, it is trying to get to the top of the league,” said Alex.

“That there has been talk about interest in a few of our players does not surprise me, because we have been making progress and, come the end of the season, we might have something others can offer in terms of football at a higher level.

“The bonuses for getting there are also very good and that means that, from the players’ point of view, it would take a good offer to make them want to move on just now.”

The Dark Blues will travel north tomorrow for Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie at Huntly.

He’s made some progress, but admitted today it’s now likely he’ll have to wait until the closing days of the window to conclude his planned business.

“Our main market is England, and the aim is to bring someone in on loan until the end of the season,” he explained.

“I’ve already spoken to a couple of clubs about players I like and they have said that, so long as they can get replacements in, we can do business.

“As usual with this window, that means most of us are waiting for something to start happening elsewhere before we can get the players we want.

“That leaves you facing the choice between taking the risk that things will happen or looking for something else you can do now.

“For us, it looks like waiting is the better option, but this window is just not a good system and it is not something you ever feel comfortable with.”

United are in the process of trying to fix up Swiss teenager Mihael Kovacevic, who impressed on trial last month, but the bid to get the 19-year-old from Slovenian outfit FC Koper will be on the back burner until an experienced attacker has been added.

“If we can get him, he is one who could make an impact soon, but I really see him as part of our building for the future rather than being involved straight away,” explained the gaffer.

Heading out of Tannadice now, or in the summer, will be utility player Stuart Duff. He will not be offered a new contract and has been told if he can find a club now he will be allowed to move on.

However, despite talk from Blackpool they would be making an improved offer for Noel Hunt, nothing has been forthcoming and United remain determined to hang on to their in-form attacker.

The Seasiders had an initial £175,000 offer rejected last week and that was so far short of United’s valuation that they are not expected back.

Saints have arranged a closed-door game for Tuesday. It’s possible Martin Hardie, sidelined for several months due to injury, will play.

The Perth club hope to have Liam Craig, on loan from Falkirk, signed to the end of the season before Saturday’s home Scottish Cup tie against Raith. Meanwhile, Hearts have granted Raith permission to play on loan forward David Templeton against Saints.