Ahn's agent fires warning to Hearts
ANGUS WRIGHT

THE agent of South Korean striker Ahn Jung-hwan has warned Hearts they could miss out on the player who is now in talks with a Premiership club.

Ahn, 30, wants a transfer from MSV Duisburg after the German club's relegation from the Bundesliga.

His agent Tom Sanders told the BBC: "After initial contact from Hearts, I have heard nothing more. There are now three Premiership clubs interested in the player and today we started negotiations with one of them."

Vladimir Romanov, the Hearts owner, has made no secret of his distaste for agents and is unlikely to be impressed by any attempt to rush the club into a deal. It is safe to say Romanov will also take a dim view of remarks attributed to Mirsad Beslija's agent.

Sam Stapleton, the Bosnian's representative, claimed it would be an "insult" if Hearts were to send Beslija out on loan next season. The winger has barely played for Hearts since joining for £850,000 from Belgian club, Racing Genk in January. He arrived in Scotland with an impressive CV but made just five appearances last season - two of those as a substitute.

Beslija has already been linked with a short-term move to Premiership newcomers Reading. But Stapleton insists the former Zeljeznicar man is determined to prove himself at Tynecastle.

Stapleton said: "It would be an insult to talk about sending Mirsad out on loan. He has the ability to play in Scotland, so why would he have to go to England to be able to play in Scotland?

"I've been in contact with people at Hearts and, if we can't arrange a meeting next week, then we will speak over the phone about the situation. Things should be clearer then and we should have a better idea of where we go. There's a whole new season ahead and, if he plays a part in it, then good - if not, then we will have to look elsewhere."

Stapleton admits he is puzzled as to why his client's move to Edinburgh has turned sour. He added: "Mirsad was the club's record signing and we were under the impression he would play, so it's been a surprise he hasn't. He deserved a move to Scotland and got one, but now it hasn't worked out. Mirsad is disappointed not to be playing football."

Taken from the Scotsman