Deuchar secures Salt Lake switch

Real Salt Lake have announced the signing of striker Kenny Deuchar from Gretna.

The 27-year-old opted to leave the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for Major League Soccer following an attractive offer from the Utah side.

General manager Garth Lagerway travelled to Scotland to see Deuchar score twice for Gretna in Sunday’s 4-2 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox.

Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis told the Deseret Morning News the deal was now done.

“He was a player we talked to a few weeks ago and knew there was a possibility of something,” said Kreis.

“We saw some video and liked what we saw enough that Garth wanted to go over there and see him play.

“When you go to see a player play against Rangers and he scores twice, it tends to be a bit of an element. I think we are very fortunate to have Kenny Deuchar.”

The lucrative move is expected to bring with it the chance to work in a local medical centre for Deuchar, who is a practising doctor.

Deuchar had a successful loan spell at St Johnstone earlier this season and returned in December to Gretna where he maintained his goalscoring form, netting six times in 13 games.

Real Salt Lake are delighted to have signed the 6ft 3in striker.

Kreis said: “We are very happy with the forwards we have right now, but they are all very similar, so to have somebody different is a nice addition.”