Scottish side Hearts have secured the signing of defender Nathaniel Atkinson from Melbourne City.

The 22-year-old, who is seen as one of the best young talents in Australia, is signing a three-and-a-half year contract.

Atkinson is joining for an undisclosed fee, and he will fight with Michael Smith for the right wing-back spot in the starting line-up.

With teenager Cammy Logan joining Edinburgh City on loan, there is a space in the squad for Atkinson.

Speaking to Hearts TV, he said: "I first heard about Hearts' interest about a month or two ago.

"I had gotten to a stage in my career where I was ready to play in Europe, and fortunately Hearts were interested. It was a match made in heaven and things moved pretty quickly after that."