Dundee United loan defender Kyle Knoyle from West Ham

Knoyle has been capped by England at under-18 level

Dundee United have signed defender Kyle Knoyle on loan from West Ham until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old England youth international is a full-back and arrives at Tannadice with Ryan McGowan preparing to join Henan Jianye.

Knoyle joined the Hammers as a 13-year-old and is under contract with the east London club until the summer of 2017.

He will not be included in the home squad for Saturday's visit of Kilmarnock.

"He's a very bright prospect," said manager Mixu Paatelainen. "He doesn't have too much experience but he is a good player.

"He can play in a couple of positions, so he'll be a good addition to the squad."

United are bottom of the Premiership, 14 points adrift of Killie, Hamilton and Partick Thistle.