FULHAM IN FOR RUDI

FULHAM have told Rudi Skacel they want to sign him in the summer.

Craven Cottage boss Chris Coleman has been impressed with the 14-goal haul of the Hearts midfielder this season.

Skacel is on loan from Marseille until the end of the campaign and Graham Rix insists there are no break clauses that would allow him to leave before then.

Hearts have first option to sign the Czech international for a fee of around £1million but Skacel's willingness to commit himself to Tynecastle for the long term will be tested by Coleman.

Skacel's agent Pavel Zika said: "Fulham are interested in Rudi but negotiations will not start before the end of the season."

Rix admits he could do without the transfer talk surrounding his star midfielder as he bids to keep the club on course for the title.

Skacel, 26, could be joined by up to six new signings before the end of the month.

Rix said: "We've got an agreement in place to sign Rudi for Hearts and I don't think it's possible to break his loan deal during the transfer window.

"I want Rudi firing on all cylinders and helping us to be a success."

Hearts last night completed the loan signing of defender Nerijus Barasa from FBK Kaunas until the end of the season and he could make his debut at Dunfermline today.

The club are also finalising the move for Bosnian wingerMirsad Mirsad Beslija, who will cost £850,000 from Racing Genk, but he will not feature at East End Park.

Hearts have started talks with Bulgarian wonderkid Branimar Kostadinov and a deal to sign the 16-year-old could be concluded over the weekend.

The Jambos have let Polish winger Michal Golinski return home after a trial but are still in talks with Portuguese defender Bruno Aguiar - as well Liverpool starlets Darren Potter, Francis Smith and Neil Mellor.

Taken from the Daily Record