Kevin Theophile-Catherine joins Saint-Etienne from Cardiff City

Cardiff City defender Kevin Theophile-Catherine has joined Ligue 1 club Saint-Etienne on a three-year deal.

The 25-year-old French defender spent last season on loan at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and became a regular, playing 42 games for the 10-time French champions.

Saint-Etienne president Roland Romeyer told the club's official website: "We're very pleased to have reached an agreement with Cardiff.

"Given the standard of his performances, the option to buy was a priority for us and his versatility is a valuable asset to the team."

Reports in the French press claim that Saint-Etienne paid £1.45m for the former Rennes man.