That led to Alex looking into the possibility of adding further emergency loans to his pool — Kilmarnock’s Rhian Dodds was fixed up last week.

Today, though, he revealed that is not going to happen.

“I’ve been told there is no more money, so I can’t bring people in on loan just now. I do have a defender on trial and we’ll probably use him on Saturday, so at least that’s something,” he said.

Alex was not prepared to reveal the identity of the new player, but did say he was a defender who knows the game in Scotland.

If there is no cash left in the Dens kitty, however, it is hard to see how he has any chance of being added to the squad on a long-term basis.

Cursed as he’s been by injuries and a lack of cash, the manager stressed he was getting on with the job of preparing a team for Saturday.

“There is nothing else for it. We will work hard, put a team out and go down there and give our best.”

One source of funds could be business man John Bennett — if he goes ahead with his plan to takeover the club.

It is understood he is now back in the country after a holiday, but he was still unavailable for comment today.

Sources at Dens have indicated there are unlikely to be any further developments until later this month and it is still not certain Bennett will proceed with his buy-out.

If and when there are more talks, fans’ group Dee 4 Life have assured members their interests will be safeguarded.

That’s been made clear in a statement marking five years — and half-a-million quid in donations — since the trust was formed.

“In light of recent Press articles regarding potential investment in the club, we are sure members will understand that the trust cannot comment on specific speculation at this time,” said chairman George Knight.

“However, we would like to assure members that we will be fully involved in any discussions to ensure the fans’ interests are protected.”

On affairs of the trust in general, he reiterated its policy of openness and honesty as it continues to work for the benefit of the club in which it now holds a big stake.

“After five years of non-stop hard work by dozens of volunteers and donations from thousands of fans, raising close to £500,000 for Dundee FC, securing a seat on the board of the club and a 26% shareholding, the Dee 4 Life Trust is preparing for the next chapter in its history.

“It’s often been hundred-mile-an-hour stuff, but, understandably, the trust has found time, resources and volunteers harder to come by recently.

“In recent months, the workload has fallen on the shoulders of just a few active committee members, so clearly it was time for change. The trust consulted with former board members and prominent supporters to assist in determining its future strategy.

“It was felt the main area requiring improvement was communication, and the date for the Trust AGM has now been set for Saturday, December 20.

“Before then, we will be working to finalise a strategy to improve dialogue with all fans.

“To assist in this, we are delighted to announce that three former trust board members — Scott Glenday, Robin Grimmond and Fraser MacDonald — have been appointed to fill vacancies on the trust board.

“In order to ensure we remain truly representative, all directors of the trust, including myself, will stand for re-election at the forthcoming AGM. However, we would encourage anyone else willing to give the time and effort required to come forward.”

He had his cheek X-rayed after that win and, although the images were not conclusive, further examination by a specialist has confirmed a crack in the bone.

“The one bit of good news is that it does not look like he will need an operation, but we are still looking at being without Mihael for a good while and that is a blow for him and us,” said boss Craig Levein.

And, although there is no shortage of quality defensive cover at Tannadice right now, the manager does believe Kovacevic will be missed.

“I do have options, but Mihael is very good to have when we are up against quality wingers who have pace,” he added.

“I would even go so far as to say that, of all the players who can operate at full-back, he is the best defender, so, particularly away from home, he is an option I like to have.”

The knee problem that ruled Garry Kenneth out of Tuesday’s reserve draw at Hibs means he remains a doubt for the visit of Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday, though the Under-21 international may still make the squad.

Kevin Moon is also OK, having recovered from a back problem, but young forward Steven Doris is out with a knee knock.

With Euan McLean out with a wrist injury, Saints have a keeper with an SPL club training with them today with a view to signing a loan deal. Until the deal is signed, however, Saints won’t release the player’s name.