Danny Cadamarteri admitted he is watching with interest as the multi-millionaires of the English Premiership start to shape their squads.
With the Tangerines going forward for the Europa League final qualifying draw next week, there is a very real prospect they will come out alongside an English giant for their first taste of continental competition for five years.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all possibilities and that is music to the ears of United’s resident Yorkshireman.
With stories flying about of cash-laden City planning to smash the world transfer record to take Fernando Torres from Anfield to Eastlands, Cadamarteri knows he could be about to step on stage with top-class opposition.
The former Everton frontman said, “The excitement is building ahead of next week’s European draw because it is a step into the unknown for a lot of us.
“I don’t know what we are going to do for it maybe our new captain Jon Daly will organise a barbecue for the lads so we can all get round the TV and watch the draw.
“It will be a big occasion for all of us so it would be good if we are all together to watch our name come out.”
He added, “Of course, we don’t have too much European experience so it is a case of asking people like Paul Hegarty what to expect because he has been there and done it.
“I see there is speculation that City are going to break the transfer record for Torres. That shows the kind of quality we could be up against.”Torres at Tannadice?Cadamarteri said, “Maybe we will get Man City and Torres will be there then the likes of Darren Dods, Garry Kenneth and Sean Dillon can wipe the floor with him.
“We want to be in the competition as long as possible so the draw in this round will be crucial.”
According to Cadamarteri, the Tangerines did themselves a huge favour by playing Romanian side Unirea Urziceni during their summer trip to Austria.
He said, “They kept the ball very well and it was a learning experience for us and I think that will stand us in good stead.
“I said from the moment I came here that I signed to be involved in big games.”
He added, “I have sampled some success and the next stage is playing in Europe so the move to Scotland has been everything I hoped it would be.”
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough’s interest in United winger Craig Conway may be cooling.Boro’s Conway interestBoro appear to have switched their focus to Estonian winger Tarmo Kink and the player has flown over to Teesside from Hungarian side Gyoli ETO.
Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson confirmed it was “business as usual” at his club, with no bids for any United player forthcoming.
He said, “I spoke to Middlesbrough last Monday about their interest in Craig Conway but we’ve heard nothing from them since.
“We also saw that bids had reportedly been made for other players in our squad but that was utter nonsense.”
Also, striker Kevin Smith is patiently awaiting confirmation of his proposed move to Notts County.
Smith said, “County have made me an offer and I am keen to go there.
“There are still a few things we need to sort out but I am hoping it will go through.”