He would be happy to hang on to the man who hit the net 17 times last term and has continued that form into this pre-season, but realistically knows an offer of approaching seven figures would be impossible to turn down.

Hunt has already expressed his ambition to move to England at some point and with just under a year of his existing deal left, United face cashing in now or losing him for nothing next summer.

Having the likes of highly-rated Spaniard Francesco Sandaza, Warren Feeney, Kevin Smith, Andis Shala, Jon Daly and even teenager David Goodwillie in his squad, the manager may feel he has enough cover for the forward positions and can afford to let Hunt join his sibling down south.

Even at the money currently being knocked back, a sale would represent a huge profit.

As well as the service they’ve had, he was bought by previous boss Craig Brewster for just £50,000 and, in the present financial climate, his sale would be good business.

On the down side, Hunt is a firm favourite with the Tangerines faithful and his goals were instrumental in the team’s return to the top six last term.

Given their manager’s success in plucking young players from lower league obscurity and quickly developing them into SPL quality performers, the Tannadice board would back any recommendation from him to sell.

Meanwhile, a minor knock could see the player sit out tonight’s visit to old club Dunfermline, where most of the first-team squad will be in action.

Garry Kenneth has not recovered from his ankle problem in time for that one, but could get a run out when a mixture of first-team men and kids take on Arbroath at Gayfield tomorrow and should be fit for consideration against Barcelona on Saturday.

Skipper Lee Wilkie has recovered from a thigh knock suffered across Fife at Kirkcaldy on Saturday and will lead the team out for what his gaffer expects to be a good test.

“Dunfermline are completing their pre-season work, so it is going to be a game against another team whose fitness levels are high and that is exactly what we are looking for,” said Craig.

Henry scored 19 goals in his first season in Spain, but, by his own high standards, regards what was a trophyless campaign with Barcelona as a failure.

“It couldn’t have been worse, though, when I was playing, I scored 19 goals,” he said at St Andrews today.

“Last year, I had to learn a new language, a new town and a new league and, when I arrived, I was injured.

“I made the mistake of trying to play right away instead of working with the fitness coach first.”

Despite a shortened break because of Euro 2008, he insisted he was coming to Scotland in much better condition — and believes he needs to be.

“I am fitter and I feel fresh and we are here working hard. I know Dundee United and Hibs will not be easy.

“The Scottish teams are closer to their season than we are so that means they will be fit and ready.”

Also still vivid in his memory was the reception the Barca players were given at Tannadice.

“It was a fantastic reaction from the fans at Dundee United and it was not something we expected.

“Although I missed our penalty, I scored the rebound and it was special to get my first goal for Barcelona.”

“We take every game seriously and we always want to win, but for Dundee the league is what matters and already Ross County is on my mind,” he said today.

“I have a team in mind for that, though, obviously, fitness will dictate the final line-up and I am happy with the work the boys have done over the pre-season.”

A couple of players took minor knocks against Wolves on Sunday and will require checks before it’s determined whether or not they can turn out tomorrow.

Meanwhile, former Dens goalkeeper Craig Samson has signed a one-year deal with English League One outfit Hereford United.