It was fourth time lucky for Dundee United as they finally signed defender Lewis Toshney from Raith Rovers.
Persistence paid off for the Tangerines this afternoon as bid number four – in “five-figures”, according to Rovers – was reluctantly accepted by Raith after the Kirkcaldy club knocked back three earlier offers.
Toshney (24), a former Celtic player who also had a spell on loan at Dundee, has agreed a three-year deal with the Tangerines after submitting a written transfer request with the Kirkcaldy side.
The new United signing said: “This is a massive club and I can’t wait to get started.
“It means a lot to me that the manager has brought me with him, that tells me how much he rates me.
“There are some fantastic players here and, although it is a tough league, we will be challenging for promotion. I am sure of that.
“I have wanted this move and now that it has happened I want to just focus on getting ready for the start of the campaign.”
Delighted United boss Ray McKinnon said, “I am delighted to get Lewis.
“He is a fantastic footballer and one of the best professionals I have ever worked with.
“He can play right-back, centre-half and central midfield and that versatility is good to have.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Lewis and I am confident he will grab it.
“He is a player the United fans will take to immediately.”
Raith confirmed they had agreed to let Toshney go, saying: “Defender Lewis Toshney has this afternoon been transferred to Dundee United for an undisclosed five-figure fee.
“Following our board’s rejection of the Tannadice club’s first two offers for Lewis last week, the player submitted a written transfer request on Friday.
“This was followed by a further increased bid over the weekend, which was again rejected by Raith Rovers.
“However, a more realistic fourth and final bid was submitted last night, and this has been reluctantly accepted by the board allowing the transfer to proceed today.”
