Tommy Wright has revealed his interest in signing a former Dundee United player, and hasn’t ruled out going back in for a current Tangerines star.
Saints have opened talks with ex-Tannadice defender Keith Watson, currently at St Mirren.
And Ryan Dow – who may line up against Saints in tomorrow’s Tayside derby – could be another target.
“We have informed St Mirren that we’re speaking to Keith Watson,” Wright said.
On Dow, he added: “We were interested in Ryan during the last window but we couldn’t get him.
“Mixu (Paatelainen) didn’t want him to leave and I can understand that because he’s a very good player.
“I’ve met him but whatever happened in the meetings will remain private until the end of the season.
“We’ll see where his future lies after that.
“It’s not awkward, these things are part of the game these days.
“That’s why I was surprised with York’s reaction a few weeks ago because they knew we were speaking to Michael Coulson and had agreed a deal.
“That’s the way things work these days, everything is done up front and the clubs are informed.”
If selected, Dow will be one United dangerman Saints will have to keep quiet at McDiarmid Park, and Wright has identified a few others.
“Paul Paton has made a big impact since he came back,” he said. “He’s experienced and aggressive so he gets the people around him going.
“He’s been a big player for them but United have a lot of quality in their team.
“Henri Anier and Billy Mckay have been scoring goals and their defensive record has improved lately.”
Murray Davidson and Danny Swanson are injury doubts for Saints.
Wright explained: “Steven Anderson is definitely out and Liam Craig is suspended.
“Of the other two, Danny Swanson might have a better chance than Murray Davidson of making it.
“So with Dave Mackay also out, we could be missing five players but we’ve dealt with that before.
“The squad is strong enough in terms of depth to deal with it.
“We are looking for the win we need to make sure of the top six.
“Results could go our way meaning we have enough points already but we don’t think like that.
“We have to go out and do it ourselves, we want to get the points on the board to get over that line.”