Dundee United boss Craig Levein has revealed Francesco Sandaza is the first player he has ever signed without seeing him in the flesh.The 23-year-old Spaniard arrived at Tannadice after agreeing a three-year deal from Valencia's B side after the Tangerines beat off interest from clubs in England for his signature.

Levein was first alerted to the player's availability by a Spanish-based agent and would normally investigate his background further rather than rely on DVDs, but he was so impressed by what he saw he decided to move swiftly.

The United boss also consulted a trusted contact on the continent and when an overwhelmingly positive response came back, he opted to break with his usual signing protocols and proceed with a move for the 6ft 3in forward.

Levein said: "I've never signed a player off a DVD before so it's a unique step for me.

"However, I knew exactly what I was looking for and I got all the stuff from the Spanish agent.

"He sent me the compilation video - which any player can look top-drawer on - but then through a contact I got some more DVDs of games from last season.

"He proved just what we're looking for. He's quick, decent in the air, and his scoring record of 23 goals speaks for itself.

"I was a little bit uncertain until I managed to get those other random four games on DVD - not from his agent - and that convinced me to sign him.

"I watched 90 minutes of all four games and although he didn't always score, his contribution was pretty good.

"I've also got a friend who has seen him play regularly and his reaction straight away was 'sign him now' so that was very encouraging.

"I'm just delighted to get him and I'm sure he'll be a handful for all SPL defences."

Sandaza, who will travel to Raith with his new team-mates this weekend but is unlikely to play in the friendly, believes he has the attributes to star in the Scottish Premier League.

Sandaza, who hopes to play in next week's match against Barcelona, said: "I can score goals. I've got speed and sharpness and can give the team different options with my running off the ball during games.

"I'm sure I can find space and the way the team play will benefit my style enormously.

"I feel that in a couple of weeks I could be up there with the rest of my team-mates in terms of general fitness.

"As for match-fitness, that might obviously take a bit longer but I'll be working extremely hard.

"My season back in Spain finished just a matter of three weeks ago so I haven't had much rest but that won't be a problem.

"I would like to play against Barcelona because I've not faced them before.

"They're one of the best sides in Europe which means everyone will be wanting to play against them.

"It's another thing to look forward to so obviously I'm just very excited right now."

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