Midfielder Paul Paton has signed for St Johnstone on a two-year deal after leaving Dundee United.

The Northern Irishman exits the relegated Tannadice club by mutual agreement a year before his contract was due to expire but will remain in the Scottish Premiership after putting pen to paper for Tommy Wright.

Joining the Perth side makes it Paton's fourth spell at a Scottish side after spending his earlier career at Queen's Park and then Partick Thistle.

Paton told the official Dundee United site: "I would like to thank the supporters and everybody at Tannadice for my time at the club.

"There will always be a tangerine spot in my heart and I wish Dundee United every success in returning to the Scottish Premiership next season."

Paton spent three seasons at Dundee United, making 95 appearances and scoring six goals. He featured in both the 2014 Scottish Cup final and 2015 League Cup final and captained his side when he returned from injury in the latter stages of last season.