Hearts line up Hackett as midfield duo exit

HEARTS are poised to make Oxford City winger Chris Hackett their latest signing and have told midfield pair Neil MacFarlane and Stephen Simmons that they can leave the club this month after becoming surplus to requirements.

As MacFarlane and Simmons prepare to depart, pacey right-sided player Hackett yesterday agreed a move that will cost the Gorgie side £20,000.

Edinburgh rivals Hibernian made moves to sign the player earlier this month but it is the Tynecastle side who will land the player's signature subject to a medical.

It is believed Aberdeen and Dunfermline have already made enquires about MacFarlane and Simmons respectively and agent Gordon Smith, who represents both players, confirmed their future at Hearts will end imminently. The pair, who are out of contract in May, have made just a handful of appearances this term.

Smith said: "It is a possibility that Neil will be leaving during this window but as yet we don't know if it is going to be a permanent or loan deal, hopefully it will be permanent. It's also the same situation with Stephen Simmons, he could leave on a permanent or loan deal during January as well.

"At the moment there has been interest from other clubs in these two players but nothing concrete at the minute."

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood said: "It's a distinct possibility that Neil [MacFarlane] will be joining us but until the deal is completed I don't want to say too much.

"But there has been contact and we have spoken to his representatives."

MacFarlane, 28, who signed from Airdrie in 2001, has become a crowd favourite with his tireless and gritty performances in midfield.

However, his last outing in the first team was as a second-half substitute in the 5-0 Boxing Day demolition of Falkirk, with Frenchman Julien Brellier striking up an impressive understanding with Paul Hartley in midfield.

Simmons, despite being in favour with George Burley at the start of the season, has also failed to make an impact under Rix.

Meanwhile, it is understood that right-back Robbie Neilson is to be offered a contract extension at Tynecastle following talks between his agent Mark Donaghy and club officials.

Taken from the Scotsman