Dundee United sign ex-Dortmund defender Guy Demel

Guy Demel during his West Ham days battling with Kieran Gibbs. Picture: Getty

The former Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Hamburg and West Ham player arrives on Tayside with an impressive pedigree, including 35 caps for his country.

Demel, born in France, featured in two African Cup of Nations finals with Ivory Coast and was part of their squad at the World Cups of 2006 and 2010. The United head coach Mixu Paatelainen hopes Demel’s presence can help guide his club away from the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

“Guy comes with a lot experience and fantastic pedigree,” Paatelainen told the Dundee United website. “He can add a lot to our squad. He is a powerful player but above all a good footballer. He will be a strong character in our dressing room and I am delighted to start working with him.”

Demel said: “Once I spoke to the head coach, I was excited by the challenge of Dundee United and the role he has planned for me. I want to identify myself with the club. I have many years of experience in football and, if I can use my knowledge to help the younger players here, that is what I will do. I have been training hard and I can’t wait to play for Dundee United. I am ready as soon as the head coach needs me.”