I did a quick search and didn't find any thread discussing Images Near Link Units and came up dry. I know that it is a no-no to put images near google ads, but what about images near link units? Anybody heard anything?
I would assume that the same thing that applies to ad units applies to link units. The program policies section that talks about encouraging clicks does not differentiate between the two. It simply says "May not place misleading images alongside individual ads". No mention of ad unit or link units. However, having said that, Google MIGHT be a little more lenient with link units. The first click does not pay anything, and it's the second link that counts. If I were you I would ask Google directly about this.
I would make a page, email the adsense team the url (telling them that the page is not online) and follow their advice.