United have been told that Caley Thistle are "very disappointed" in their conduct and that the Inverness club is not interested in selling players to them on the eve of the SPL season.

Vice-Chairman Graeme Bennett was quoted as saying "It's disappointing that, on the eve of our season, United have come back to us and have publicised that fact. It is unsettling when we just want to focus on getting ready for St Mirren."

This prompted Chairman David Sutherland to issue a press statement that was very clear, concise and to the point.

The statement said "United enquired about our players at the end of last season, made an offer and this was rejected. That should have been the end of the matter but what has happened this week is they make a fresh verbal offer and then their manager discloses this to the media saying he will be contacting our club to see what is happening."

"I can tell him what is not happening. Caley Thistle will not be solving any player problems United may have. Their chairman made an approach and so did their manager. But it seems that we cannot hold confidential discussions with them. We are very disappointed with such conduct." "If it is meant to unsettle players and put pressure on us to accept, then I can only say that our previous reluctance to sell is now a complete determination.

"Manager Charlie Christie wants to keep his players and it is unfair to try to take our players with our first SPL game on Saturday. It is also unfair to our supporters who do not know the truth."

"For avoidance of all doubt, and to make any future media leaks futile, we will not be doing transfer business with Dundee United in relation to players who are important to our manager's plans. End of story."