Michael Cairney handed Dundee United head of recruitment role as Jim Goodwin bolsters scout staff

Dundee United have reportedly brought in Michael Cairney as their new head of recruitment.

The Tangerines are on the lookout for new talent to help them next season in the Premiership after they all but confirmed their spot in the top flight with victory last weekend over Ayr United at Tannadice. Manager Jim Goodwin will need a helping hand in identifying players for the step up and Cairney, according to the Daily Record, is the man tasked with finding stars for next term.

Cairney has previously been head of recruitment at both Doncaster Rovers and Barnet but has more recently been working with Southampton as well as scouting for their Sports Republic group with French side Valenciennes and Goztepe SK of Turkey.

The same publication reports that United want to be "proactive" in the transfer market and expand their current player trading model.

Cairney is believed to have expert knowledge of the Dutch and Portuguese markets.

Goodwin, according to the Record, has also already been sent player profiles from his new staffer to pore over.