St Johnstone are set to bolster their defensive options with the signing of Sam McClelland.
The 21-year-old was released by Chelsea last month upon the expiry of his contract and he will now link up with Saints on a two-year deal.
McClelland played 30 games on loan at Barrow in England’s League Two last season and he has also been capped by Northern Ireland.
Manager Steven MacLean has spoken about his hopes of adding a central defender ahead of the Premiership campaign getting underway next weekend.
Speaking yesterday, the Saints boss said: “It will be good to have another fresh face in and we’re looking forward to getting him in the building.
“He’s young, with a good pedigree and is a good lad – all the reports about him have been very positive.
“Hopefully he’ll come in and do well.
“We have been looking for a centre-half. I have been pretty clear about that.
“It’s been tough. Everyone has been looking for central defenders so it’s competitive trying to sign them."
He added: “Because I got the job late, we were behind the eight-ball so it’s been difficult.
“With the analysts now, we’re more on stats and data but your eye doesn’t lie, still.
“Getting out to games and looking at players and stuff like that is still a big part of it. Obviously contacts come into it as well. Gus MacPherson (head of football operation) has got a lot of contacts and so have myself, Alec (Cleland) and Liam (Craig).
“We’re looking at all sides of it. We’re happy with the two we’ve got in so far and hopefully we can get three or four more over the line, and then we’ll be strong.
“We’re looking for a centre-half, an attacking midfielder and a wide player, and then maybe something a bit different later in the window when we get those three done.”
