United have beaten the transfer deadline to bring in giant Fulham Finnish International defender Toni Kallio on a short term loan.

The 33 year old - just over six feet four inches tall - can play at centre-back or left-back and has been at Craven Cottage since January 2008.

He has signed on loan until 23rd December and will give Kevin Blackwell the cover and competition he needs before the January transfer window:

"He is a big, strong player and the reports we have had on him playing for Fulham Reserves suggest that he has done quite well."

Kallio's acquisition eases the burden on United's defensive resources that are stretched by injury to Derek Geary, Andy Taylor and Gary Naysmith, the return to Stoke on 19th December of Andrew Davies, and continued speculation about Matt Kilgallon.