Dundee United boss Craig Levein has accused Dundee director Calum Melville of putting relations between the clubs at risk by going public with his intention to bid for Scott Robertson.

Dens Park benefactor Melville revealed on Sunday that he plans to offer United £500,000 for midfielder Robertson during the January transfer window, claiming that would be enough to land the player.

Levein and Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson both blasted Melville's audacity, which Levein has insisted could sour the goodwill he believes exists between the clubs.

"His comments are inappropriate and don't do anything to forge great links between the clubs," said Levein, who has no intention of letting one of his prize assets return to the club he left just over a year ago.

Robertson, 24, is currently sidelined by a troublesome groin injury, meaning Melville's revelation is less likely to disrupt Levein's plans for Tuesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final at St Johnstone.

United return to Perth a month after edging out Saints 3-2 in a Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixture, a result which stretched their opponents' winless start to their first top-flight season for seven years to six matches.

They finally chalked up a victory at Hamilton the following weekend but have lost two on the bounce since.

Levein agrees with Saints counterpart Derek McInnes that the Perth side should have more points on the board.

McInnes, a former United captain, has built an attractive team at McDiarmid Park after replacing Owen Coyle when the latter left for Burnley two years ago.

The fact McInnes succeeded where Coyle failed is a major feather in his cap and Levein expects to see tomorrow's opponents improve as the season progresses.

But he hopes they will have to wait for an upturn in fortunes as he targets a hat-trick of League Cup semi-final appearances.

He said: "Derek has done a remarkable job at St Johnstone.

"Owen Coyle couldn't get them out of Division One but Derek did.

"Look where Owen has ended up but it was Derek who finally won the league for them.

"Their performances have been very good this season and they've not had the results they deserved.

"We've had them watched several times and, of course, played them just a few weeks ago so we're not going into it cold.

"I know their team a bit better and our players are familiar with the way they play now.

"It was a great game at St Johnstone in the league and I'd expect this one to be the same.

"This cup has been good to us in recent seasons; we've done well in it and are hoping to do the same.

"We've done more than most teams in this competition so I'd love to see that continue."

United defeated north-east rivals Aberdeen at the weekend, so go into this game on a high.

One of the most pleasing aspects for Levein was seeing midfielder Morgaro Gomis score and he believes the Senegal international is ready to hit the goals trail.

He said: "I was delighted to see Morgaro score and I think he's getting back to his best.

"He's scored two with his left foot and one with his right for us so that's impressive.

"He's definitely getting closer to scoring regularly, his shooting has definitely improved over the last wee while.

"Morgaro is starting to get back to his best again and so is Prince, which makes us strong in midfield when we have the pair of them on form."