Dundee United sign striker Ruari Paton on loan from Port Vale

Dundee United have announced the signing of striker Ruari Paton on loan from Port Vale until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old Irishman joined the Sky Bet League Two side last summer from Queen’s Park after spells at Queen of the South, Stranraer and East Kilbride.

The move, which is United’s first signing of the January transfer window, is subject to both international and Scottish Football Association clearance.

United manager Jim Goodwin told the club’s official website: “Ruari is a player who has been on our radar for a considerable period of time, having witnessed his talents first hand 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 team-mates 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.”

Paton said after joining a United side sitting third in the William Hill Premiership: “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.”

Later on Monday, United announced the signing of Scotland Under-21 international Lewis Fiorini on loan from English League One side Stockport until the end of the season. The deal is also subject to both international and SFA clearance.

The 22-year-old midfielder came though the Manchester City academy and had loan spells at NAC Breda, Lincoln, Blackpool and Charlton before joining County last summer.

After starting out with England Under-15s, he changed his allegiance to Scotland as is eligible through his grandmother.

Ahead of the Scottish Cup tie with Dundee on Monday night, Fiorini told the club’s website: “As soon as I heard of the interest and spoke to the gaffer, I was keen to get up here.

“The lads have been flying so far this season, I just want to come and add some more quality into the midfield by showing my passing range, scoring goals and getting assists.

“I’ve actually scored here at Tannadice for Scotland Under-21s and created one for Glenn (Middleton) so hopefully we see some more of that.

“For someone who’s still only 22 years old, I feel I’ve got some good experiences, both in football and life, behind me and that’ll help me adapt quickly.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind weekend – I played for Stockport on Saturday, now I’ve potentially got the opportunity to be involved in a massive fixture tonight so hopefully I can hit the ground running.”