United front for Chiarini

Dundee United FC have signed Italian defender Daniele Chiarini from Scottish Premier League rivals Partick Thistle FC.

Impressive form
The former Udinese Calcio defender, who has impressed during the last three months with the Glasgow side, was out of contract at Firhill Park and has now signed an 18-month contract with the league's bottom club.

'Good signing'
United manager Paul Hegarty said of the 28-year-old: "Daniele's form with Partick caught the eye and I'm sure he'll be a good signing for us. I'm delighted Daniele is now a Dundee United player. When he first came to Scotland it was a bit of a culture shock for him, but he has learned to play our game quickly and has adapted well."

'Still young'
The Bibbiena-born full-back began his career with AC Fiorentina in 1996/97, before spells with Faenza FC, AC Arezzo and Udinese. "I'm still young and have lots to learn," Chiarini said. "The manager was a good defender when he played and I hope to learn many things from him. It was a hard decision for me to leave Partick because they are a good club and I still have many friends there. But I am delighted to be at Dundee United now and am looking forward to helping the team as best I can."

Relegation trouble
United are bottom of the Scottish standings with 17 points from 24 matches, a point behind Motherwell FC and six adrift of tenth-placed Livingston FC.