Nicky Law today accused Dundee United of being "silly" as talks stall over a move for Alan Combe.

The City boss jets out to Thailand for a family holiday this week and wanted to clinch a deal before leaving.

Mark Bower yesterday signed a new three-year contract but Law drew a blank in a further chat with Tannadice manager Alex Smith over goalkeeper Combe.

The fans' favourite, who played 16 games on loan, returned north of the border after the final game of the season, although his City contract officially ran out on Sunday.

Law is keen to get Combe permanently and Eoin Jess has been mentioned in a swap. But Dundee United are sticking to their guns for cash.

Law said: "They are just being silly now, saying they want £150,000 to £200,000 for Alan. They might well fancy Eoin Jess, and there has been talk, but it's not as simple as that."

Smith said: "There have been no new developments but I'd be prepared to do a cash deal then look at the Jess situation on its own merits if that got things moving."

Combe, who was on the Scotland bench a fortnight ago, is playing in a practice match for the national team at Stirling against Dundee United tonight.

Meanwhile, City reserve-team manager Mark Prudhoe is wanted by Carlton Palmer to take over as goalkeeping coach at Stockport.