Florian Wirtz has had a slow start at Anfield (Credits: Imago Images)
Dundee United are closing in on the signing of Northern Ireland international defender Michael Forbes ahead of several rival clubs.
The Tannadice side saw off competition from St Johnstone, English League One clubs, and sides from the Netherlands to secure the player’s signature.
Forbes, 22, is set to sign a two-year deal at Dundee United, with the club holding an additional 12-month option on the agreement.
The central defender will leave West Ham United when his contract expires at the end of the month, joining as a free agent.
Manager Jim Goodwin has been tracking Forbes for several weeks, and his persistence has now paid off with a deal close to being finalised.
The move remains subject to a medical before the transfer can be formally confirmed by the club.
Forbes made his senior international debut for Northern Ireland against Finland in 2023 and is eager to reclaim his place in that setup.
He is hoping that regular Premiership football at Dundee United will help force him back into Michael O’Neill’s international plans.
The left-sided defender is regarded as one of the quickest players likely to feature in the Scottish top-flight next season.
He will fill the void left by Krisztian Keresztes, who departed Tannadice following the conclusion of his loan spell.
Forbes has gained experience through a series of loan moves, having represented Bristol Rovers, Colchester United, and Northampton Town in recent seasons.
He notably featured for West Ham United in a Europa Conference League fixture against FCSB back in 2022.
Goodwin has moved quickly in the summer transfer window and has already completed a substantial portion of his recruitment business.
The United boss has brought in midfielder Dylan Tait from Falkirk and secured the permanent return of goalkeeper Jack Walton from Preston.
Deals have also been completed for New Zealand World Cup star Jesse Randall, Lachlan Rose, and Joshua Rawlins, all arriving as free agents from the A-League.
United have additionally registered interest in Hungarian under-21 midfielder Bence Babos from Videoton and Swedish winger Hugo Ahl at MFK Zemplin Michalovce.
Meanwhile, United midfielder Julius Eskesen is attracting attention from Swedish club GAIS and could potentially depart Tannadice before the window closes.
About the Author
