Leeds United have completed the signing of Derby County right back Paul Connolly on a three-year contract.

Liverpool-born Connolly, 26, is Simon Grayson's third capture of the summer, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and striker Billy Paynter.

Connolly started his career with Plymouth, making 162 league appearances, before joining Derby when his contract expired two years ago.

He faces competition for a first-team place at Leeds from Jason Crowe, Leigh Bromby and Andrew Hughes.

Connolly was also wanted by Sheffield United, where he had a spell on loan towards the end of last season.

Talks between Connolly and Grayson began by telephone when both were on holiday - Connolly in Dubai and Grayson in Portugal.

Connolly said: "As soon as I spoke to the gaffer, I knew I wanted to sign for Leeds. I know the city well because I have a friend who is a PT teacher there and visited him about five times last season.

"The whole city reminds me of Liverpool. The people are working class and appreciate hard work, which is what I am all about.

"I know there are a couple of lads already at the club who play right back and I'll be in competition with them.

"The manager has given me no assurances, apart from telling me to work hard and I'll be ok. He only had to tell me that once."

Connolly lost his first-team place at Derby last season and is looking to make a new start.

He said: "For some reason, which I don't know about, I fell out of favour and found myself on loan to Sheffield United, which I totally enjoyed in my seven games, but it was a strange season and one I just want to forget.

"This is the fresh challenge I needed. I've got my head clear and my ambition back and I know what I want to achieve in my career."