FORMER Middlesbrough midfielder Willo Flood has returned to Scotland to sign a two-year deal with Dundee United.

Flood made 16 appearances as a Boro player, but was deemed surplus to requirements at the end of the season and released by manager Tony Mowbray earlier this month.

The 26-year-old, who has spent two previous loan spells at Tannadice, returns to the Scottish Premier League after leaving Celtic to join Boro on a free transfer in January 2010.

Dundee United boss Peter Houston said: "I am thoroughly delighted to have secured Willo. We know all about his qualities from his previous spell here and as I look to add experience to the team, I see him as an excellent and important addition.

"It says everything about Willo that he has chosen to come to Dundee United. He had more lucrative offers available but not only has he enjoyed his football here previously, he sees Tannadice as a place where he can enhance his career."He also has the opportunity to experience European football next season and that is something not all clubs could have offered him."

Boro boss Tony Mowbray was at work at the club's Rockliffe Park training ground yesterday, furthering his plans for the new campaign.

Swansea City have expressed an interest in Marvin Emnes, who spent part of last season on loan at the Liberty Stadium, but Boro will resist the Welsh club's attempts to sign the Dutchman.

Mowbray is, however, attempting to move on a number of high-earning players this summer, with the likes of Kris Boyd, Didier Digard, Scott McDonald and Tarmo Kink commanding wages that are no longer in keeping with the club's preferred financial structure.

Meanwhile, former Boro assistant manager Colin Cooper is expected to be named as Bradford City's new number two this morning, working under manager Peter Jackson.