Lewis Toshney: Dundee United buy defender from Raith Rovers

Lewis Toshney spent a season in Kirkcaldy

Defender Lewis Toshney has been transferred from Raith Rovers to Dundee United for a "five-figure fee".

Rovers had rejected three offers for the 24-year-old, who submitting a transfer request as he wished to follow manager Ray McKinnon to Tannadice.

McKinnon said: "He is a fantastic footballer and one of the best professionals I have ever worked with.

"He can play right-back, centre-half and central midfield and that versatility is good to have."

Toshney began his career with Celtic and, after loan spells with Kilmarnock and Dundee, joined Ross County in 2014.

The former Scotland Under-21 international moved on to Cowdenbeath before McKinnon took him to Rovers last summer.

He made 36 appearances last season as the Kirkcaldy side finished fourth in the Scottish Championship before losing to Hibernian in the promotion play-offs.

Ray McKinnon switched from Raith Rovers to Dundee United this summer

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Lewis and I am confident he will grab it," said McKinnon, who took over at Tannadice after Mixu Paatelainen was sacked following United's relegation from the Premiership.

"He is a player the United fans will take to immediately."

Rovers had rejected two bids from United before Toshney made his transfer request and the Kirkcaldy club say they "reluctantly accepted" a "more realistic fourth and final bid" from United.

Toshney added: "This is a massive club and I can't wait to get started.

"It means a lot to me that the manager has brought me with him. That tells me how much he rates me.

"There are some fantastic players here and, although it is a tough league, we will be challenging for promotion. I am sure of that.

"I have wanted this move and now that it has happened I want to just focus on getting ready for the start of the campaign."