Florent Sinama Pongolle signs for Dundee United after trial

Florent Sinama Pongolle and Guy Demel have signed for United

Former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid forward Florent Sinama Pongolle has agreed a contract until the end of the season with Dundee United.

The deal with the 31-year-old and his availability to face Hamilton is subject to international clearance.

Sinama Pongolle had been on trial at Tannadice after exiting Lausanne-Sport.

United head coach Mixu Paatelainen said: "He will bring experience, tactical awareness and quality to our squad."

The Frenchman joined Swiss second-tier side Lausanne in January after leaving Chicago Fire, but a cruciate ligament injury preventing him playing.

"He understands football, shows excellent passing and positional sense," Paatelainen told his club website. "I am looking forward to working with him."

Sinama Pongolle, capped once for his country, becomes the second Frenchman to sign for United this week.

Guy Demel agreed a contract with Dundee United until the end of the season

Midfielder Guy Demel also agreed a contract until the end of the season, the 34-year-old former Ivory Coast international having been released by West Ham United in the summer.

Demel could make his debut at Tannadice against Hamilton, but United are still awaiting a work permit for 32-year-old Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who agreed a deal nearly a month ago.

United have slipped six points adrift of Motherwell at the foot of the Scottish Premiership despite Paatelainen having replaced the sacked Jackie McNamara as manager.

The Finn this month also brought defender Gavin Gunning back to the club after an ill-fated spell with Oldham Athletic.

Sinama Pongolle spent five seasons at Anfield and had loan spells with Le Have and Blackburn Rovers before joining Spanish side Recreativo.

He spent two seasons in Madrid before returning to Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.

Having had loan spells with Real Zaragoza and St Etienne, he switched to Rostov in the Russian Premier League before heading to the United States in 2014.