Fulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle joins Dundee United on loan

Dalla Valle (right) was previously with Liverpool before joining Fulham

Fulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle has signed for Dundee United on loan until January, with an option to extend his stay until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old Finland Under-21 forward had made his first-team debut for the Londoners this season.

United boss Peter Houston knew of him during the forward's time at Liverpool.

"Once I knew he was available and knowing how highly he is rated by Fulham reserve coach Billy McKinlay, I wanted him signed up quickly," he said.

"Lauri is a player I have been aware of for some time, having seen him play at Liverpool."

Dalla Valle began his career with JIPPO in his homeland but was snapped up by Inter Milan in 2005.

But reports suggest he struggled with the language barrier and he quickly returned to the Finnish First Division club.

After a short spell in JIPPO's first team, he joined Liverpool on a three-and-a-half year contract.

However, last August, Dalla Valle and fellow youngster Alex Kacaniklic switched to Barclay's Premier League rivals Fulham as part of the deal that took left-back Paul Konchesky to Liverpool.

Dalla Valle had a loan spell with League One outfit Bournemouth at the end of last season, scoring twice in eight games.

Having made his one and only first-team appearance for Liverpool as a substitute in a Europa League third qualifying round win over Rabotnicki, he did likewise this season for Fulham against Runavik.

"This loan arrangement will provide the opportunity for him to further develop his potential at first-team level whilst adding a much-needed striking option to our first-team squad," said Houston.

"He clearly has a big future ahead of him and it's great that he knows he can enhance his development here at Tannadice."

It had been suggested at the weekend that United would be unable to add to their squad because their bank wanted the whole of the transfer fee gathered for the transfer of Scotland striker David Goodwillie to Blackburn Rovers for reducing the club's debt.

However, they have been able to go down the road of strengthening through loan signings.

"The fact that such a well-established Premiership club is keen to entrust the development of some of their most promising players with Dundee United is testament to our reputation and our coaching staff and a real achievement for the football club," added Houston.