Mixu Paatelainen targeting quality players for Dundee United

Dundee United head coach Mixu Paatelainen says he will only bring in "exceptional" players who can improve his squad when the transfer window reopens in January.

The newly-appointed United boss saw his side remain bottom of the Scottish Premiership following a 1-0 home defeat to Hearts on Sunday.

But the Finn insists he will only add proven quality to a squad which he feels is competitive when all of his players are fit.

He told STV: "The board and the chairman have indicated there's the possibility to bring in players but we want to be careful in who we bring in because those players, if they come straight away, have to be exceptional.

"If they come in January they have to be exceptional because the squad we have when all the players are fully fit is not bad.

"We possibly will bring players in but we will make sure that they improve the squad.

"I want to assess the players first, what they have to offer and I have started that process already, looking at the players and how long they have left on their contracts.

"I'm nowhere near in a position to decide who we'll possibly offer a new contract or who we think might be better to move elsewhere, it's too early.

"I want to be fair to the players and give them a chance to show what they can do and we'll go from there."