Hearts turn down chance to snap up former Celts

HEARTS refused the opportunity to sign the former Celtic defenders Momo Sylla and Didier Agathe just hours before the transfer window closed.

As Tynecastle officials conducted frantic negotiations during the early part of the week that would eventually see eight players arrive at the club on Tuesday, the Evening News can reveal that they held discussions concerning the availability of Sylla and Agathe.

Hearts admitted a possible interest in luring full-back Sylla north from Leicester City, where the player had become slightly unsettled by the sacking of manager Craig Levein last week, however they opted against following it up with a concrete offer and the player remains in the Midlands.

Agathe remains a free agent after agreeing the termination of his contract with Celtic on Monday and, despite tentative discussions between Hearts and the midfielder's agent, he is expected to head to England with heavy interest from several Premiership clubs.

Derek Rutherford, who represents both players, said today: "We spoke with Hearts about Momo and they asked about the range of players we had available. They wanted to know what Momo's position was at Leicester but he is staying down there so it wasn't to be.

"Regarding Didier, I spoke to a Hearts representative four days ago, just before he had agreed his contract termination with Celtic, and made them aware but they haven't come back to confirm with us.

"I don't think it's going to progress. Hearts have had opportunities regarding Didier like other clubs and at this point have yet to come forward with a concrete yes or no.

"I think at this point in time something might develop for him, but I don't think it will be with Hearts. Apart from an initial chat with Hearts by telephone, nothing has progressed. That could always change over the coming days but I don't expect it to."

Hearts appear to have secured their preferred options in the positions which Sylla and Agathe would occupy, with Slovakian full-back Martin Petras and Bosnian winger Mirsad Beslija two of their deadline-day captures.

Those two, along with almost all of Hearts' new arrivals, are available to head coach Graham Rix for tomorrow's Scottish Cup fourth round match with Aberdeen at Tynecastle. Only winger Chris Hackett remains a doubt due to an ankle injury.

"Chris has been working hard with the physios but he is doubtful," conceded Rix. "Everyone else is ready to play, which is great. I'm not prepared to say who could feature but having all these players is not a selection problem.

"I can tell you that Paul Hartley definitely won't play."

Rix was, of course, being utterly ironic as Hartley is suspended tomorrow after appearing before the SFA's disciplinary committee on Tuesday. Consequently, English midfielder Lee Johnson is expected to retain his place in midfield with a debut likely for Beslija on the right flank.

Rix has attempted to compensate for his new players' unfamiliarity by holding training sessions at Tynecastle this week as opposed to the club's training ground at Riccarton.

"We thought it would help the new guys before Saturday because this is an absolutely massive game in our season. Getting to know everything about Tynecastle, from walking into the dressing room to getting a feel for the playing surface, can only benefit them."

Taken from the Scotsman