Eiji Kawashima set to finalise move to SPFL strugglers Dundee United

Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen is confident goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima will arrive at the Scottish Premiership side in the next 10 days.

United have been chasing the Japan international since early November but his move has been delayed due to work-permit issues.

The 32-year-old sat an English exam in his native country last week to complete the process, but doubt was cast over the deal when media reports linked him with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen.

However, Paatelainen has dismissed those fears saying: "Eiji will come here in a week or so."

And Paatelainen, who has brought in Gavin Gunning, Guy Demel and Florent Sinama Pongolle since taking over in October, expects more activity during the forthcoming transfer window.

"We're hoping to bring in one or two in January. There will be one or two leaving also, I would expect, but it's not 100 per cent," added the former Hibs and Kilmarnock boss who has released Jordan Moore along with loan pair Aaron Kuhl and Adam Taggart.

Meanwhile, Paatelainen wants his side to use the pain of losing a stoppage-time equaliser to Inverness Caledonian Thistle to drive them on when they host Motherwell on Boxing Day.

The match has become vital for Dundee United as they have started to become detached at the foot of the table.

"When you concede an equalising goal 30 seconds before the final whistle, it is a kick in the teeth," he said.

"But that makes us stronger, it makes us even more determined to work hard. We are getting closer to victories and we will get there."