Hearts have signed former Motherwell winger Kevin Twaddle on a one-year contract, with the option of an extension.

The Tynecastle club had been forced to release a number of players over the summer, with the doubts over a television deal for the Scottish Premier League hampering any long-term financial planning.

But Hearts manager Craig Levein has moved to snap up Twaddle who was available for nothing, having himself been released by Motherwell.

He beat off competition from English First Division side Sheffield United.

Twaddle has been troubled by injury in the last couple of years but should prove a good addition to Levein's squad, which has been depleted over the summer.

Levein said: "I tried to sign Kevin last year around about this time but was unsuccessful but I am glad to have him now.

"He's a Hearts fan and I'm looking to get the best out of him."