Theophile-Catherine leaves Cardiff City to join Saint Etienne

Kevin Theophile-Catherine joined Cardiff from Rennes in August 2013

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

The 25-year-old French defender spent last season on loan at the Ligue One side and became a regular, playing 42 games for the French club.

Theophile-Catherine joined Cardiff from Rennes for £2.1m in August 2013 on a four-year deal.

"We're very pleased to have reached an agreement with Cardiff," said Saint Etienne president Roland Romeyer.

"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 say Saint Etienne have paid euros 2m (£1.45m) for Theophile-Catherine.