Dundalk have announced the signings of Jamie McGrath and Niclas Vemmelund ahead of thir 2017 League of Ireland title defence.

Athboy Co Meath native McGrath joins the reigning Irish champions after a spell at St Patrick's Athletic while Vellemund of Denmark formerly played for Derry City.

The lure of European football was something that 20 year old McGrath cited as he reacted to his move.

"Dundalk have been the biggest club in the country over the last while so it’s a good place to come and I can’t wait to get started with the team," he said. 

"Europe was obviously a highlight for the club last year and everyone watched on – I was at a few games myself! I was looking on and it’s something I want to be part of. Europe is where everyone wants to play and Dundalk showed last year that Irish sides can compete at that level.

"I am looking forward to being part of that this year and everything else. It’s exciting times."

Vemmelund, who has also played in his native Denmark as well as Sweden and Iceland, also saw Dundalk's recent success at home and abroad as an incentive to sign at Oriel Park.

"I feel happy to have signed for Dundalk. I feel good and ready to go. Dundalk have been the best club in Ireland the last few years and I wanted to join that. I am happy to be here," he said.

"I enjoyed my time in Ireland last year. It was a good start to life in the league but I want this year to be a better year for me. I want to improve and win some trophies. Dundalk have been very successful and I want to win."

Dundalk will be going for their fourth title in a row in 2017 after a 2016 season when they retained the league, reached the FAI Cup final and made a mark in the Europa League group stages.