Hearts have secured the signing of Dundee United youngster John Souttar on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 19-year-old departs Tannadice after three-years in the senior squad, ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.

But Jordan McGhee will not be departing for English Championship side Middlesbrough after his move fell through.

Speaking about the deal for Souttar, head coach Robbie Neilson told Hearts News: "I’m really happy to get John here to Hearts.

"We see him as one of the brightest young prospects in Scotland, and one who we can develop further.

"John’s a player who we’ve admired for a long time and I’m delighted to secure him.

"It shows the intent of Hearts to not only develop young players from our own academy, but recruit them too and continue their development."

The Scottish teenager has struggled to hold down a regular starting place this term and exits midway through his fourth season at Tynecastle.

Souttar, who has represented Scotland at youth level, has attracted the interest of Celtic in the past and has already made over 60 appearances since making his debut in January 2013.

The central defender, who has been playing further forward in a holding midfield role this season has started 18 games since the summer.