HEARTS have signed Lewis Neilson on a free transfer as Robbie Neilson continues to improve his squad.

The defender was released from Dundee United just yesterday after they could not come to an agreement on a new contract after a near 10-year association.

The 19-year-old came up through the Tangerines academy but has now moved on as he feels he is ready for regular first-team football he was not getting at Tannadice.

He arrives at Tynecastle on a 3-year contract after it was already reported Hearts had opened talks with him as his contract was ticking down.

The versatile player can play right-back, centre-back, and on occasion in the midfield, which he owes to his previous work with Hearts manager Neilson from his spell at United.

Speaking to Official Hearts Website the boss 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.”

In an interview for Hearts TV, the new signing said: “It’s great to be here. As soon as I heard that Hearts were interested, it was top of the list for me. A massive club looking ahead to European football that had a great season last year.

“I’d been at Tannadice for the last ten years, and I owe a lot to them. I just felt it was time to move on and make the next step. After speaking to Joe Savage and Robbie Neilson, I knew this was the right place to come and play football.

“When I first came into the pro set up at United, Robbie quickly brought me and Chris Mochrie up into the first team. I got to train every day and he gave me my first taste of first team football by putting me on the bench.”

He finished on how ready he is to play with the Jambos, adding: “I’m excited to play with the guys here. Some of the lads at United know them and were telling me what great professionals they are, and to make sure to stick with them.

“I was excited before coming here today, but after seeing the facilities even more so. It’s a different level and I can’t wait to get started.”