While that was news to United, they are aware the Irishman’s name has been touted around a few clubs down south and, as he enters the last year of his contract, there is some interest in him.

There is also a chance Hunt will seek a move down south when his contract expires next summer, but it would take close on a seven-figure bid for his employers to consider parting with him early.

“We can confirm there have been no formal offers for any players here,” was how communications director Derek Robertson responded to today’s report.

“Regarding Noel Hunt specifically, we are talking about an established member of the first team, who scored 18 SPL and cup goals last season.

“We are not looking to sell, but, even so, the money being talked about would be well short of our valuation.”

Reading certainly would not lack for intelligence on Hunt — his brother Stephen is one of their star performers.

Rather than being interested in teaming the attackers up at the Madjeski Stadium, though, if boss Steve Coppell is interested in Noel, it is likely to be as a replacement for his brother.

Stephen has been a target of Sunderland since the early part of the year and there has been strong speculation he’ll move to the Stadium of Light in time for next season.

United, meanwhile, have confirmed their first pre-season action will be at the Oban Tournament on July 12.

A day later, the first-team squad head for a five-day stay in Dublin and games against UCD on July 14 and Tolka Rovers on July 16.

Back in this country, they will face Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park on July 19, Dunfermline at East End Park on July 22, Barcelona at home on July 26 and then complete the build up against Plymouth at Home Park on August 2.

The Dark Blues still hope a deal can be finalised before the week is out, but it’s understood the man who skippered Gretna to the Scottish Cup Final two years ago, will not be given much longer than that to pledge his future to Dens Park.

For some time now, boss Alex Rae has been keen to add an experienced central-defender to work alongside Gary MacKenzie and new arrival Craig McKeown, but Innes is not his only option.

Another man with extensive top-flight experience has already held talks and, if Innes was to continue dragging his feet, attention would switch to him.

Dundee, meanwhile, have confirmed Rab Douglas will spend pre-season with them and it is hoped he will be able to play as a trialist until he is free to sign up once his contract with Leicester expires on July 31.