Inverness Caledonian Thistle chairman Ken Mackie has delivered a hands-off warning to Dundee United.

Falkirk boss Ian McCall this week turned down the chance to replace Alex Smith as United manager.

And Caley Thistle boss Steve Paterson is believed to be high on United's wanted list.

But Mackie insisted on Thursday that he has received no approach from the Scottish Premier League club.

And he said: "We would not welcome an approach.

"We have have had our own financial difficulties, but we are looking forward now and have no thoughts about changing our manager."

New United owner and chairman Eddie Thompson is believed to have been initially torn between McCall or Paterson before eventually choosing to approach the Falkirk head coach.

But some sources have suggested that United caretaker manager Paul Hegarty and coach Maurice Malpas are also in the running now that McCall has turned United down.

Paterson has led Caley Thistle from the Highland League to consolidation in the First Division despite large debts resulting from the building of the club's new stadium.

His most famous victory came in February 200 with a 3-1 Scottish Cup victory over Celtic that led to the sacking of the Glasgow club's head coach, John Barnes.

Paterson may believe it is time for a new challenge, but problems in his personal life could prove a complication.