Hearts have snapped up Lewis Neilson on a free from Dundee United.
The highly-rated defender joins on a three-year deal following the expiration of his contract.
The 19-year-old was at Tannadice for a decade having come through the youth system
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He can play at right-back and in centre-back, and also has experience of playing in midfield on occasion.
Robbie Neilson has already brought in Alan Forrest from Livingston while Australia international defender Kye Rowles has also agreed to move from Central Coast Mariners.
Neilson becomes signing number three of the summer as Hearts continue to strengthen their pool ahead of a European adventure next term.
READ MORE: Hearts jetting to Spain for pre-season camp with friendly against Europa FC included
Speaking to the official Hearts website, Neilson said: “Lewis is someone I’ve known for a while as he was coming through the ranks at Dundee United when I was manager there.
“Even back then you could see his potential and he’s continued to improve, so I'm delighted that we’ve been able to bring him to Hearts.
“He’s a very quick and strong player with all the attributes needed to make it at the top level, and I’m sure Hearts will provide the perfect environment for Lewis to work hard, develop and take his career forward.”
Sporting Director Joe Savage added: “We were interested in Lewis as soon as we heard there was a chance he might not renew his contract at Dundee United.
"To get him on a free transfer is great business from our perspective. We're overwhelmed by it, to be honest. At the age he is, with a chance to develop him further.
"Robbie and his coaching staff raved about him. He's someone that Robbie thinks is very good and that we can make him into an even better player,
“It's good to go down the route of attracting young Scottish players, when we can, it shows that we're committed to our roots of developing footballers. We've done Alan Forrest, and now we've done that with Lewis. We're delighted."
