Mark Wilson is not ruling out a return to the club which is “always in my heart”.
The full-back, who was released by Bristol City in the summer, has been granted training facilities by Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara.
Wilson admits he would like to move back to Scotland with his family and although he is aware the Tangerines have a large squad, he is keeping his fingers crossed he can do enough to be offered a contract at the club where he first made his name.
The 29-year-old said: “Jackie and the coaches were good enough to let me come in and train with them.
“My family are still down in Bristol but I’m up in Scotland this week, so was looking for a bit of training. I’m grateful to them. I would favour coming back up the road if things didn’t work out down south.
“Our home is still up here so I’d like something back in Scotland. Right now there’s nothing on the table but I wouldn’t rule anything out. If United offered me something, I’d definitely consider it.
“The club is always in my heart because I had some of the best times of my life here.
Wilson left United in 2006 after winning a move to Celtic, where he took possession of the full-back jersey previously worn by a certain Jackie McNamara.
Meanwhile, United defender Gavin Gunning is getting closer to match sharpness after playing 80 minutes in a reserve game this week, though is unlikely to feature against Inverness.
* Former Dundee United midfielder Richie Ryan has returned to Irish football with Shamrock Rovers after being released by the Tannadice outfit.
The 28-year-old, who was signed by former Terrors boss Peter Houston in January 2012 from Sligo Rovers, played 44 games for United but was deemed surpass to requirements by incoming manager Jackie McNamara.
* Former Dundee United captain Andy Webster was last night on the verge of signing for Coventry City in a move that will see him be reunited with former Hearts team-mate Steven Pressley.