Jim Goodwin is looking to strengthen Dundee United’s grip on third by adding quality to his squad in January.
And he’s secured the first piece of the jigsaw.
United are desperate to hold onto top scorer Sam Dalby but Wrexham hold a recall option on the loanee, which they may take up this month.
With or without the big striker, the Tangerines want additions.
They were yesterday reported to be close to signing Ruari Paton on loan from Port Vale, the pacey frontman set to head north after lighting up the Championship with Queen’s Park last season.
And a loan deal was also said to be in the works for ex-Manchester City starlet Lewis Fiorini, now at Stockport.
There has been enough progress on one for it to be announced ahead of tonight’s derby against Dundee.
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Dundee United sign Ruari Paton
The Tannadice side announced the signing of the 24-year-old on loan from the League Two side this mroning, until the end of the season.
And it was all done in time for him to be available for selection for tonight’s huge Scottish Cup clash in the City of Discovery.
Goodwin says the player can change games at the ‘drop of a hat’ and outlined the key qualities that persuaded him to lure him back to Scotland.
He told the Dundee United website: “Ruari is a player who has been on our radar for a considerable period of time, having witnessed his talents firsthand throughout last season whilst he was lighting up the Championship at Queen’s Park.
“With players such as Kevin Holt, Ross Docherty and Declan Gallagher able to make the transition to top-flight football seamlessly over the summer, I have no doubts our new addition will be able to emulate their success.
“Able to spin into the channels or hold the ball up with his back to goal and bring his teammates into play, Ruari can serve a multitude of purposes at the top end of the pitch, and is capable of changing games at the drop of a hat.
“He’s exactly the type of player and person we look to strengthen our group with, and I speak on behalf of everybody at the club when I say we’re extremely excited to work with him during the remainder of 2024/25.”
What Paton said about joining Dundee United
Paton added: “I feel brilliant! Having the opportunity to come to a place like this at a time when we are flying high in the Premiership made it a no-brainer.
“As a player, you want to come into a side that’s successful and ambitious, and that’s exactly where Dundee United are.
I want to add to that by making a good team better. I think I can bring other people into the game as well as scoring goals – I don’t believe in being selfish. I can’t wait to get going!”