DUNDEE are ready to launch a £500,000 bid to bring back Scott Robertson from Dundee United.
Dens moneyman Calum Melville wants to see the midfielder - who made the move across to Tannadice in the summer of 2008 - return in Dark Blue.
But United boss Craig Levein has dismissed their rival's attempt as a wind-up.
Melville, though, insists he can pull off the deal because Dundee have more money than their neighbours and that Robertson wants to rejoin his old club.
He said: "Scott is our No.1 target. They need the money and we can pay better wages than them.
"We will be an SPL club again and he wants to play for us.
"This is not about stirring up things with United. We'll be happy to sign any of their good players.
"I want to regalvanise Dundee and I don't make rash promises.What I say I'll do."
But Levein has laughed off the move.
He said: "If Melville wants to sign Scott you can tell him to put in an offer for him.
"You can give him my number and tell him to call me.
"He'll be sitting in the house with nothing better to do than wondering how can he noise us up."
Melville wouldn't be able to sign Scotland cap Robertson - who's out with a groin injury - until the January transfer window.