Michael Gardyne to join Dundee United from Ross County

Gardyne has signed a pre-contract agreement with Dundee United

Dundee United have signed Ross County striker Michael Gardyne on a pre-contract agreement.

Gardyne's contract with County expires in the summer and he has agreed a three-year deal with United after passing a medical.

The 25-year-old is spending his second spell at County having originally been on loan from Celtic.

Tannadice boss Peter Houston confirmed to BBC Scotland on Tuesday that he was keen to sign Gardyne.

Houston also said he was disappointed that midfielder Scott Allan opted for a January move to English Premier League side West Brom instead of continuing his development at United.

"He's a young player and he hasn't got a lot of experience yet," said Houston.

"He's got to try to get first-team football. I said a while back that he would have been better staying for another year or so and getting more first team football.

"However, he chose to move on so good luck to him.

"We've had him since he was 11 years of age - we reared him and gave him the right grounding in many ways.

"But he's got himself a move and the club got some money and a sell-on fee. I hope he does well."