Levein is delighted to have secured the services of Flood for a year

Flood - who arrived at Ninian Park last summer - has failed to break into Bluebirds manager Dave Jones' first-choice eleven.

Tannadice boss Craig Levein thinks that Flood's style of play will be perfect for the SPL.

"I'm confident he'll do well for Dundee United and be a favourite with our fans," Levein told the club's website.

Levein - who has already added Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska to his squad - was happy that Flood's club saw Utd as the right move for the player.

I'm delighted because I see him as an important player for us next season Dundee Utd manager Craig Levein

"I was aware that a number of other clubs were interested in taking him and am pleased that Cardiff City see this move as an opportunity for the player to improve his game," he added.

"Most of all however, I'm delighted because I see him as an important player for us next season."

Republic of Ireland U21 international Flood prefers to operate down the right.

He came through the youth system at Manchester City and scored on his full Premiership debut in 2004 but failed to establish himself in the team.