Mixu Paatelainen insists there will be no automatic starting place for Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima should he complete his move to Dundee United.
But the Tannadice manager thinks the 32-year-old's experience will be a boost to the Scottish Premiership club.
Kawashima has agreed to sign subject to a work permit being granted.
"There's no automatic starting place for anybody," Paatelainen told BBC Scotland. "Of course, we want competition for any position we have."
Kawashima has been without a club since leaving Standard Liege in the summer in search of first-team football after losing his place to former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Yohann Thuram-Ulien.
"Certainly, Eiji will strengthen that competition in the goalkeeper's position," said Paatelainen.
"He's a seasoned professional with plenty caps - over 70 caps for Japan.
"He's been to major tournaments. It would be nice if there was a possibility of Eiji joining us because he would help our young goalkeepers with his experience.
"It's depending on a work permit. Eiji, we've agreed everything with him, but obviously we can't sign the contract until the work permit issue has been solved. I don't know how long it takes."