Jon Daly Becomes 2nd January Signing

Hartlepool striker Jon Daly received an early birthday present this afternoon, when he signed for Dundee United for an undisclosed fee – believed to be around the £100,000 mark.

The Irish born forward turns 24 on Monday and will join-up with Craig Levein’s flu-riddled squad next week after completing his move this afternoon.

Daly was linked with a move to Tannadice earlier in the week, along with speculation about Darren Dodds and Shelbourne defender Sean Dillon also joining the club.

Dundee United have struggled infront of goal all season and Craig Levein has made no secret of the fact he’s been searching for an experienced striker.

Levein has sorely missed top scorer Noel Hunt, who is out with an ankle injury, and was unhappy that he had to rely on 17-year-old David Goodwillie as cover.

The United manager believes that Daly – who has played for Stockport, Bury, Grimsby and Hartlepool – could be the player to put the finishing touch into Dundee United’s recent turnaround under his leadership.

“I have been monitoring the player for a couple of months, but first saw him around two years ago when he was with Stockport,” Levein said on the Official United site.

“It’s no secret that we’ve been thin on the ground in the striker department and, additionally, Jon gives us something different to what we already have.”

“Jon has scored nine goals this season already and although he’s been signed essentially as a target man, he is certainly capable of adding to this tally.”

Hartlepool signed 31-year-old Richard Barker a few days ago, which meant Daly was surplus to requirements at Victoria Park.

Pool’s boss Danny Wilson told the clubs official website, “It’s unfortunate for Jon that we’ve been after Richie for so long.”

“He’s done ever so well whenever he’s come in to the team but those appearances have been intermittent.”

“I am sure he’ll do very well up in Scotland and I wish him all the best because he’s a terrific lad to work with.”