Barnsley announce signing of Angus MacDonald from Torquay United

Barnsley have completed the signing of defender Angus MacDonald from Torquay United on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old has opted to join the Championship club, despite signing a new deal at Plainmoor in May.

Torquay, who play in the National League, have had financial trouble and are still looking for a buyer after Gaming International pulled out of a takeover at the weekend.

MacDonald spent two years playing for Torquay following his 2014 move from Reading, where he made his senior debut in 2011 and went on to have loan spells at Salisbury City, Basingstoke Town, Torquay and AFC Wimbledon.

"I'm delighted to join such a big club and I have to thank Paul Heckingbottom for giving me this chance," MacDonald told Barnsley's official website. "It's a great move for me and a change of lifestyle, as well as club, but it's one that I'm really looking forward to.

"As soon as I knew of the interest from Barnsley, it was a no-brainer for me and I jumped at the chance. I'm relishing the challenge of playing with and against such high-profile and established players, and I can't wait to meet the lads and get out onto the training pitch."

Head coach Heckingbottom added: "He's a player I've been keeping a close eye on for some time now, and I am delighted to bring him to Oakwell. Our squad is young and hungry, and Angus fits that mould perfectly. He will be re-joining League football and I can see his desire to learn quickly with us.

"He will help the side in an area I felt we needed to reinforce and I want to get him involved with the squad as quickly as possible. It's now down to Angus to show us that he has what it takes to make the step up and put himself in contention."

MacDonald has made more than 100 career appearances.