Dixon is delighted to be joining up with manager Craig Levein

Defender Paul Dixon can't wait to begin life with Dundee United after signing a three-year deal at Tanandice.

The 21-year-old was out of contract at Dundee and the neighbouring clubs agreed a compensation fee last week.

"I'm looking forward to working with Craig Levein and his coaching staff," said the left-back.

"I am fully aware of his record in improving players from lower divisions, which was a prime motivation for choosing Dundee United."

Norwich had an offer for Dixon rejected last summer and Kilmarnock had been interested in signing the Scotland U21 international.

"I believe in having strong competition and cover for all first team places and needed another left back after Christian Kalvenes finally decided to return home, United manager Levein told the club website.

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"I'm delighted therefore to sign Paul who will provide competition to Danny Grainger in this position and we'll again have two very good players challenging for a first team place.

"Paul is a player I've known about for a long time and I've always felt he had good potential. "His progress probably stalled a bit last season and he did not play as many games as he would have liked.

"Now he is getting the chance to get things back on track and fulfil his potential to be an excellent defender."

Dixon follows Scott Robertson, who captained Dundee last season, across the road to Tannadice, the midfielder having left Dens Park on freedom of contract earlier this month.

Levein also last week signed German striker Andis Shala, previously of Mannheim, and goalkeeper Michael McGovern, who left Celtic.

Meanwhile, Levein has rejected reports that United had made an approach to take Rangers forward Alan Gow on loan.