Mixu Paatelainen has begun his reshaping of Hibernian by luring David Van Zanten, the St Mirren right back, to Easter Road on a three-year deal. Van Zanten, who is 26 today, is out of contract at Love Street at the end of the season and has agreed to join the Edinburgh club as a free agent.

Paatelainen has been keen to bring in his own players since taking over as manager from John Collins in February and knows Van Zanten well, having been a player-coach with St Mirren when Van Zanten arrived there after being released by Celtic in 2003. “I know exactly the type of player we are getting,” the Hibernian manager said. “David has done well at St Mirren, he was club captain over the last year which tells you a lot. I know him from my time at Love Street and it is important for me to have players who are positive, hard-working, honest guys.”

Dublin-born Van Zanten was rescued from the scrapheap when Gus MacPherson spotted him playing in a trial match for out-of-contract players following his release from Celtic. “I’ve had five great years at St Mirren with a lot of great memories, winning the first division title and staying in the Premier League,” Van Zanten said.

“In that time I learnt a lot from Gus MacPherson, too, but Hibernian sold itself. It’s always a worrying time when you’re out of contract but when Hibernian came in for me it was not a difficult decision. It’s a step up going to a big club with a big stadium but once they were interested I wanted to go there straight away.”

Heart of Midlothian are also making moves to strengthen their squad for next season. The Tynecastle club are trying to lure Mark Kerr from Dundee United but face competition from five other clubs. The midfield player is available on a free transfer after informing United that he will not extend his contract when it expires at the end of the season.

Kerr’s agent, Scott Hume, said yesterday that discussions have taken place with Hearts officials, but Aberdeen, Preston North End and Nottingham Forest are also interested.

“I’ve spoken with Hearts about Mark and I’m still speaking with them. No deal has been done as yet,” Hume said. “Mark has six teams in total interested in him. He has a few options and Hearts have yet to discuss figures.”