Defender to join St Johnstone in the summer after signing pre-contract with Saints.

Heart of Midlothian FC can announce today that defender Brad McKay has signed a pre-contract with St Johnstone.

The deal will see him move to Perth when his current agreement expires in the summer.

The centre-half has been at Tynecastle since June 2010, making his first-team debut in a goalless draw with Hibs at Easter Road in March 2013.

The 21-year-old has made 43 appearances for the Jambos to date and head coach Robbie Neilson told Hearts News this afternoon: “I think this will be a good move for Brad. We don’t want to stand in anyone’s way - he wants to be playing more first team games and hopefully he will do that next season.

“In the meantime I am sure he will continue to work hard for us and be ready if called upon.”