Jim Goodwin: '50/50' chance Dundee United will add signing before derby

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin says there’s a “50/50” chance he’ll add a new signing to his squad before Monday’s Scottish Cup derby against Dundee, with a striker among his top priorities.

Goodwin is keen to strengthen in two or three areas before the transfer window closes, but he has highlighted a lack of depth in his forward options as a concern.

Now, as he prepares his side for a huge game at Dens Park on Monday, he says it’s not out of the question that a fresh face could join his squad.

“It’s 50/50 right now regarding Monday, but we’re working hard to get these deals over the line,” the Tannadice boss said.

“I think we’re quite close with one definitely, and possibly two. There’s still a bit of time before the game on Monday to try and get at least one of those over the line.

“We do a lot of work behind the scenes to try and identify good targets and then a lot of work goes on to get these deals over the line.

“I do believe that we are close with one and possibly two.

“Whether we can get those deals done in time for the Dundee game on Monday remains to be seen.”

Goodwin has seen a good return from his current strikers as United have impressed in the Premiership, with Sam Dalby the current joint-top scorer in the league and Louis Moult having netted an impressive winner against St Mirren last time out. An extra option would give the manager comfort as the team goes into the business end of the season.

“We’ve been running with three senior strikers all season and obviously Owen Stirton comes into that but still lacks that experience of playing regularly at Premiership level,” Goodwin said.

“We’re still a bit light at the top end of the pitch and had to go without Louis Moult for a considerable period of time, which has left us only Jort van der Sande and Sam Dalby.

“So we want to make sure we don’t find ourselves in that situation going into the latter stages of the season.

“I also think that in the midfield area (we need) a little bit of cover, and in the back line. So two or three positions we’re looking at in the moment.”

As his side prepares for what will be a huge game at Dens Park, Goodwin reflected on the meeting between the sides at the start of January, when Dalby’s 88th-minute winner sparked wild celebrations among the away supporters.

“Obviously the last one between the two teams was a really entertaining game and with a really dramatic finish in terms of us getting that late goal to take all three points,” he said.

“But it was a great occasion to be involved in. The players, the atmosphere generated by both sets of fans and a full house, a real understanding from the players of what it means to the supporters.

“We put in a really good performance in the second 45, the first half we weren’t as good and I thought Dundee were the better team.

“I thought second half we looked a lot more like ourselves and we need to start the game like that on Monday to make sure we get the result.”