Dundee Utd sign Hearts winger Billy King on pre-contract

Dundee United have continued to re-shape their squad for next season by signing Billy King on a pre-contract deal.

The Hearts winger has been on loan at Inverness this season after a temporary stint with Rangers last term.

The 22-year-old had signed a six-month extension to his Hearts contract under Robbie Neilson, which would have taken him to the end of 2017, but he is not part of Ian Cathro's plans and will move on in the summer.

King, who has scored three goals in 32 appearances for Inverness, told United's website: 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 United fans what I can do.''

United announced a similar deal for Hibernian's James Keatings on Monday and took a step towards promotion to the Ladbrokes Premiership on Tuesday when they beat Morton 2-1 at Cappielow in the first leg of the play-off quarter-finals.

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