The 30-year-old, who played in United’s 6-0 win at Queen’s Park, is viewed as a possible replacement for club legend Lee Wilkie and last season’s on-loan defensive stalwart Andy Webster.

Zelmikas has 11 caps for his country and United manager Peter Houston was keen to talk up the big defender’s pedigree.

“He’s an international player and, as such, has the kind of experience we’re after,” he said. “We’ve got him over for a week so we can have a proper look at him and he’ll play against Glentoran this weekend and Raith Rovers on Tuesday. We’ll see how he gets on in those games and take things from there.”

Meanwhile, United released a statement denying any bids had been received for any of their players following a day of speculation surrounding young stars Craig Conway, Garry Kenneth and David Goodwillie.

It had been reported that the Tangerines had rejected a bid in the region of £1 million from Blackpool for Kenneth and Goodwillie, while speculation about Conway’s future has been ongoing since it emerged Championship title hopefuls Middlesbrough had made an official enquiry about the winger.

“Despite ongoing and totally unfounded media reports today, Dundee United would like to make it clear the club has received no bids for any of its players,” the statement read.

“Furthermore, the club is unhappy initial reports regarding bids for two of its players were published without any confirmation from the club and without the originator even making any contact with the club.

“These unconfirmed reports have led to a flurry of speculation and phone calls to the club and have had an unsettling effect on the club as a whole, including its supporters.”

As a result, chairman Stephen Thompson stressed Dundee United would no longer be commenting on any Press speculation surrounding players.

Houstie, meanwhile, was unable to give further news on Middlesbrough’s interest in Craig Conway.

He signed for Africa’s biggest club side, Johannesburg’s Kaiser Chiefs, in 2008 before being released this summer.

Dens boss Gordon Chisholm today confirmed Gilbert’s arrival, saying, “Gordon’s in. I saw him on Tuesday night with Hearts and he did really well. They had him for three weeks, and by all accounts, he acquitted himself well, but I think what’s happened is Hearts’ squad is just too big.

“The boy played for Kaiser Chiefs who are a huge club, so he’s got the experience we’re after.”

He also suggested fans may get a glimpse of Gilbert on Tuesday, saying, “He trained with the boys today and did fine. We’ve got a game against Forfar on Tuesday and I’ll probably play him in that.”

Meanwhile, Dundee have knocked back a bid from Hamilton for striker Mickael Antoine-Curier. He spent last season on loan with the New Douglas Park outfit after falling out with former Dens boss Jocky Scott.

Current gaffer Chisholm, however, views the 27-year-old Guadeloupe international as a vital part of his side and hopes his goals can help propel the Dark Blues towards promotion.

“I don’t want Mickael to leave,” he said. “I’ve stated that since the day I walked in the door and he wasn’t even here at the time. He was at Hamilton.

“The offer was nowhere near the valuation I put on the boy. Obviously, you want players that want to stay and play for the club and Mickael hasn’t indicated he wants to leave. The offer’s been turned down.”

Chis refused to put a firm figure on his valuation of Antoine-Curier, adding, “All I’ll say is Hamilton’s offer was unacceptable. His goals are worth far more to Dundee than that.”

Gordon also said Leigh Griffiths has a massive part to play in securing promotion this season.

Speculation surrounding the striker has been rife all summer, with SPL suitors St Johnstone apparently at the front of the queue to poach him away from Dens.

However, Chis today moved to dismiss such speculation in a move that is sure to please supporters ahead of this Saturday’s Alba Challenge Cup season opener against Alloa.