United swoop for Dutch midfielder

McKinnon keen to sign Briels after trial spell

Dundee United are expected to sign Dutch midfielder Jordie Briels today.

The 25-year-old former Fortuna Sittard player has returned to the Netherlands to prepare for the switch to Scotland and on his return will agree a deal with the Tangerines.

Briels has been involved in United’s pre-season build-up and now looks likely to make his competitive debut against Raith Rovers in the opening Betfred Cup Group C tie at Tannadice on Saturday.

Tangerines boss Ray McKinnon said: “Jordie has done really well for us during his trial here and is really fit and aggressive.

“We are really pleased with him and he would be a good addition to our 18-man squad.

“He is the right age and maybe a bit different to what we have.

“He is a hard-working, box-to-box midfielder who likes to tackle and has high energy. He should complement the players we already have.”

United are also in the market for a goalkeeper and they could now widen their scope to include more than just on-trial Turkish shot-stopper Deniz Mehmet.

It is understood that firstchoice goalie Cammy Bell is among a group of United players who are carrying injuries so any new face would also be a candidate to face Raith.

McKinnon said: “We have a few niggly injuries and I’d say there are three or four struggling just now.

“That has stretched us a bit and we really need to strengthen.”