Mixu confirms keeper signing – if work permit is granted

Dundee United have signed Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, but a work permit has yet to be secured.

The 32-year-old, who has won over 70 caps for the national team, will join the Tannadice side as competition for Michal Szromnik and Luis Zwick if they get the green light.

United boss Mixu Paatelainen confirmed: “He’s a seasoned professional with plenty caps – over 70 caps for Japan.

“He’s been to major tournaments. It would be nice if there was a possibility of Eiji joining us because he would help our young goalkeepers with his experience.

“It’s depending on a work permit. Eiji, we’ve agreed everything with him but obviously we can’t sign the contract until the work permit issue has been solved. I don’t know how long it takes.

“There’s no automatic starting place for anybody. Of course, we want competition for any position we have. Certainly, Eiji will strengthen that competition in the goalkeeper’s position.”

Paatelainen added: “It’s not every day that that calibre of player is out of contract at this time of year but, luckily for us, that’s the situation.

“Looking forward to working with him, hopefully.”