Still only 20 years old, the player has signed a three year contract, although he will have to wait for international clearance.
United manager Peter Houston was pleased with his signing after he had managed to convince the youngster that Tannadice was where his future lay.
Houston said: "I am thrilled to capture Gavin's signature.
"He is exactly the type of player we try to bring to Dundee United - he is young, athletic and hungry.
"He can play either left-back or central defence and having seen his performances last season I know he can do a job in the SPL.
"It was important that we moved to bring a central defender to the club and to get someone of Gavin's calibre is particularly exciting."