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.