Aberdeen snap up United’s Flood in pre-contract deal

ABERDEEn have signed Dundee United midfielder Willo Flood on a pre-contract agreement. The 28-year-old will formally join the Dons when his current Tannadice deal expires.

The news was welcomed by new manager Derek McInnes, who expects the Irishman to have a big part to play at Pittodrie next season.

He told the club’s website: “I’ve always been a great admirer of Willo and he’s a player I am looking to make a real impact for Aberdeen next season.

“With his extensive SPL experience, he was voted player of the year for Dundee United last season, which speaks volumes about his ability. We are delighted to have him on board as we look towards building a squad capable of bringing success back to the club.”

The length of Flood’s contract was last night still to be confirmed. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international first joined United on loan from Cardiff City in 2007 and returned for a second spell the following year.

The midfielder joined Celtic from Cardiff in early 2009 but failed to establish himself in the first team at Parkhead and moved on to Middlesbrough a year later before returning to Tannadice for the 2011-12 season.

It has been a productive couple of weeks for Aberdeen, with strikers Josh Magennis and niall McGinn extending their contracts. McInnes has also been linked with moves for Hearts striker John Sutton and midfielder Barry Robson, who is currently without a club.