Hart had signed a pre-contract agreement with Preston

The 27-year-old had already signed a pre-contract agreement to arrive in time for next season.

But he will now move immediately after signing a three-and-a-half year deal.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Hopefully I can adapt to life down south quickly. If I don't do it now, I might never do it."

Hart revealed that manager Alan Irvine was a key reason for him joining North End.

"As soon as I met him he said everything I wanted to hear. I came down to watch the Watford game and made my mind up that night and signed a pre-contract."

And Irvine is delighted to get his man.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Michael is comfortable as a centre-back, left-back or even in the centre of midfield.

"That always helps with a small squad."

He is a quick player, comfortable on the ball and can join in attacks Preston boss Alan Irvine

Hart is currently injured and may have to wait up to a month to make his Preston debut but Irvine is not concerned.

"He actually has an excellent record in terms of playing games. He is a quick player, comfortable on the ball and can join in attacks."

Aberdeen had allowed Hart to undergo medical tests at Deepdale after he suffered a small tear of his hip flexor.

And Preston chairman Derek Shaw said: "We knew he was out of action for about three weeks and we wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be three months."