Dundee United are favourites to finish third in the Scottish Premiership after usurping Aberdeen in that position.
The Dons looked absolute dead certs for that after starting the season on fire and unbeaten in the opening weeks, but their form has fallen off a cliff and they face a fight to stay in the top six.
The Tangerines have gone about their business quietly and chipped away at the significant gap that once existed between them and Jimmy Thelin’s side, and manager Jim Goodwin is now targeting Europe.
Goodwin is now looking to cement their position by strengthening his squad.
The Irishman is hoping to keep hold of Wrexham loan star Sam Dalby, who is the Premiership’s top scorer but has a recall option in the deal.
And United are close to providing him with a strike partner in the shape of Ruari Paton.
And that’s not the only player they are looking to sign, reportedly.
Lewis Fiorini Dundee United link
Goodwin is closing in on the double signing of Paton and former Scotland under-21s midfielder Lewis Fiorini, according to the Daily Record.
As well as being in negotiations with Port Vale for the frontman, they are also doing the same with Stockport County for Fiorini.
It is hoped both will be done in time for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup Dundee derby.
Fiorini signed for Stockport from Manchester City in the summer, in a deal worth an initial £300,000 but potentially rising to £1million, as reported by the Daily Mail.
But the 22-year-old has been in and out with injuries and has started just four games in League One, and could head to Tannadice for game time.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 23 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 64 | 11 | 53 | 60 |
| 2 |  RangersRangers | 23 | 14 | 5 | 4 | 44 | 18 | 26 | 47 |
| 3 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 23 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 31 | 24 | 7 | 37 |
| 4 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 23 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 32 | 33 | -1 | 35 |
| 5 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 23 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 28 | 37 | -9 | 31 |
| 6 |  HibernianHibernian | 23 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 34 | 36 | -2 | 29 |
Fiorini described as ‘exciting’ player with ‘really high ceiling’
Fiorini once had the world as his feet as a Manchester City youngster and was seen a potential Scotland international of the future.
He was handed a five-year deal at the Etihad in 2021, giving an exclusive interview to Not the Old Firm in the aftermath.
Encouraging loans at NEC Breda and Lincoln City gave rise to that but he stalled somewhat with spells at Blackpool and Charlton, injuries playing their part.
It would have been hoped a permanent switch to Stockport would give him a fresh start but things have not been plain sailing again.
Announcing his signing in the summer, Stockport boss Dave Challinor said: “Lewis is another player that we’ve had a longstanding interest in trying to bring in, so to finally have him is really pleasing.
“He had a frustrating season last year with some injuries but he’s a player with a really high ceiling and huge potential, who has trained with and learned from the best over his time at Manchester City.
“Technically he is fantastic, and he will undoubtedly be a huge addition to our squad. For a young player to have the experience he has in the Championship, League One, international Football and in another country is rare, and we feel he can have a real impact over the next few years.”
Director of football, Simon Wilson added: “We are excited to bring Lewis to Edgeley Park on a long term contract. He is an exciting young player, with a high ceiling and will give us good options across the midfield.
“He suffered a difficult last 12 months but is proven at League One level and above, with a hunger to get going again. Spending time with him, I am confident he will add to our group as a down to earth, but driven player that players and staff will enjoy working with.”