McKinnon ‘delighted’ to bring King on board

Dundee United have agreed their second signing of the week, securing winger Billy King on a pre-contract, writes Ian Roache.

The 22-year-old Hearts man, who has been on loan at Inverness Caley Thistle this season, joins Hibs forward James Keatings in heading to Tannadice.

Manager Ray McKinnon promised that he would get as much of his transfer business done as soon as possible and he has made rapid progress by snapping up first Keatings and now Scotland under-21 international King on a two-year deal.

It is another boost for the Tangerines following their 2-1 victory over Morton in the Premiership play-off quarter-final first leg at Cappielow on Tuesday that set them up nicely for tomorrow’s return match at home.

King said: “I am delighted to secure my future at a club like Dundee United.

“The time is right for me to move on from my parent club Hearts and I will leave Tynecastle with some great memories but I am excited about the future.

“I remain focused on finishing the season strongly with Inverness but I am looking forward to pre-season training and meeting my new team-mates at United and showing the fans what I can do.”

United manager McKinnon added: “I am delighted to get Billy as I really like him as a player.

“He is good with both feet, can play both wings and has pace.

“I particularly like the way that he runs at defenders.

“He is someone who is still young and really has his whole career ahead of him.

“I am sure we will get him flying for us next season.”

Frontman Billy King has signed a pre-contract agreement with United.