Levein Finally Gets His Man

Craig Levein finally got his man on Friday, as Dundee United secured the services of Dutch striker Mark De Vries.

United boss Levein has attempted to sign the 32-year-old front man a couple of times since arriving at Tannadice in November 2006, but money has always scuppered the deal.

However, this time Dundee United managed to bag the former Dordrecht '90 , Hearts and Leicester player for a bargain, knock-down price.... absolutely nothing!!!

De Vries parted company with Leicester City last Friday, after his contract was terminated by 'mutual consent` and Levein jumped at the chance to sign the player on a free.

It was the 2nd time that Levein had signed De Vries, after the pair worked together at Hearts in 2002 and he was exactly the type of player that the Dundee United manager has been looking for during the last few weeks.

"This is a player who is well known to me and fits the profile of the type of strong, experienced target man that we've been seeking for some time," Levein told the official website.

De Vries made his debut for Dundee United in the 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at the weekend, coming on as a late substitute for Craig Conway in the 88th minute.

After spending the last couple of years being loans out by Leicester City to Den Haag, Heerenveen and Leeds United, the striker admitted he was glad to finally be wanted again.

"As soon as I knew that Dundee United were interested, I was keen to return to Scotland," De Vries told the official website.

"I`m looking forward to working with the manager, Peter Houston and Gary Kirk again. We`ve enjoyed successful times before and they know how to get the best out of me."

"The club is in a strong position at the moment, with some very good players, and I hope I get the chance to contribute to a successful season."