Instead, he was concentrating his efforts on improving his squad for next term and having a crack at taking the team higher than this season’s pleasing fifth-place finish in the SPL.

To that end, Craig has confirmed the next few weeks will see him fix up young German striker Andis Shaila.

The 19-year-old was uncovered by the same contacts that unearthed Swiss defender Mihael Kovacevic and impressed during a trial a couple of weeks back.

“He looked decent and we are working on something. It might take a couple of weeks to complete, but it will get done,” said Craig.

Interest is also still strong in Australian teenager Scott Jamieson, who, like Shaila, impressed while training with the squad. The Bolton Wanderers left-back will be back for pre-season training and that effectively rules out any move for available Dundee defender Paul Dixon, though he does remain a target for Aberdeen and St Johnstone.

United, meanwhile, have expressed “deep concern” following SFA president George Peat’s claim the manager’s comments, in wake of referee Mike McCurry’s recent error-strewn performance at Rangers, were criminal.

United expect Craig to be summoned by the association’s general purposes committee, but, in light of comments made by Peat and chief executive Gordon Smith, fail to see how he can get a fair hearing.

The club are also seeking legal advice regarding the wording of Peat’s comments to Sunday newspapers.

Meanwhile, wing-back Steven Robb is expected to sever his Tannadice ties by signing for St Mirren today.

The Dark Blues management team believe Young, who had also been linked with a return to Pittodrie to team-up with twin brother Derek for a third time, will add experience to their line-up.

“Darren has played at a higher level and he is a player who knows what the game is all about,” said chief executive Dave MacKinnon.

“He had the chance to stay at Dunfermline and he’s also turned down offers from the SPL to come here because he believes in what we are trying to do.

“His is a signing I believe the fans will like and it is definitely one that shows where our ambitions lie.”

There remains a chance Young will prove to be only 50% of today’s new arrivals and a second player, who has already agreed personal terms, was at Dens for a look around.

“It would not be fair to name him until he has actually put his signature on the contract, but there are just a few details he has to sort out before he can sign and it might be done by this evening,” added Dave.

And former Dens Park favourite, goalkeeper Rab Douglas, remains in line to join the new faces in boss Alex Rae’s squad.

Meanwhile, the Dundee manager has given his instructions to new signing Mark Gilhaney — give the opposition as many problems as you used to give us.

The 23-year-old signed up from Hamilton Accies last week and Alex admits his attention was first drawn to the winger by his performances against the Dark Blues.

“Every time Mark played when we’ve faced Hamilton since I’ve been here, he has given us a lot of problems and that was what got me interested in him,” said Alex.

“We watched him in a few other games and I actually first tried to get him when the Derek Lyle situation arose with them in January.

“Things did not work out then, but I didn’t lose interest and, when I heard he could be available at the end of the season, I tried again.

“He was keen to come here and I am very happy to have him, because I think he is perfectly suited to the type of football we play. If he gives other teams the same kind of problems he’s given us in the last couple of seasons, he will be a very good signing.”

They’ll then resume their break until returning for pre-season training on June 26.