Dundee United manager Craig Levein expects Paul Dixon to grow as a player at Tannadice after signing the defender from city rivals Dundee.The 21-year-old left-back will challenge Danny Grainger for a place in Levein's team in the coming season.

And former Scotland defender Levein believes Dixon, who signed a three-year contract on Monday, is at the right club to further his development.

United are thought to have paid around £25,000 in compensation for Dixon, whose contract at Dundee expired this summer.

Levein lost Christian Kalvenes at the end of the last season when the left-back returned to his native Norway after two years in Scotland, and he was eager to land a high-quality replacement.

The United boss said: "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.

"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."

Levein explained: "Paul is another 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 said: "I'm delighted to sign for Dundee United and am looking forward to working with Craig Levein and his coaching staff.

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

Dixon becomes the second Dundee player to join United this summer, after midfielder Scott Robertson who made the move earlier this month.

More Football News from TEAMtalk