A DEAL OF OPTIMISM OVER O’BRIEN

United boss Alex Smith is close to sealing a season-long move for the former Middlesbrough man Ronnie O'Brien, who is currently with Juventus, and feels his arrival could provide a boost for the player, who not unsurprisingly has found it difficult to make the breakthrough with the Turin club. O’Brien impressed Smith during a trial at Tannadice and he is keen to add him to his squad. "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement as it adds quality to our squad and allows us to make a permanent move for him later if we see fit," said Smith. "For Juventus, it gives their young player the chance to gain more experience and allows them to assess his progress. For Ronnie himself, it will help him work out where his future lies once this season is over."