Hungarian keeper set to sign for Hearts

BARRY ANDERSON
HUNGARIAN international goalkeeper Janos Balogh is ready to accept Hearts' offer of a six-month loan deal and wants club officials to finalise his move from Debrecen as soon as possible.
Balogh is currently waiting by the telephone at home in Hungary, where he returned last week after several days training at Riccarton. He failed to agree terms with Hearts whilst in Scotland but said today that he now wants negotiations completed before the transfer window closes.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, the 25-year-old admitted he will fly to Edinburgh the moment Hearts call. "I have some things to do here but I am ready to go. I want to sign the contract. I heard some news from my manager yesterday and I think the move is almost certain now," said Balogh.

"Csaba Laszlo told my manager he wants me there and that I have to be ready to fly when I get the call. There is not much time and everything has to be done for August 31. I am waiting for Hearts to call."

Balogh arrived in Edinburgh last week intending to complete the six-month loan but had to return home days later after discussions on the terms of the agreement stalled. Hearts have since recruited the FBK Kaunas goalkeeper Marian Kello, who is expected to make his debut against St Mirren this weekend after Jamie MacDonald's appearance at Ibrox last Saturday.

"We could not agree a deal and I had a flight booked to go home," explained Balogh. "My manager is speaking with Hearts but I am fine with the proposal and, if they want me in Edinburgh, I will come. I want the people in Scotland to get to know my name because I am the person wearing the gloves.

"My goal is to be the number one goalkeeper at Hearts. Debrecen are happy for me to leave."

Laszlo revealed that a deal for Balogh is close. "In recent days the club has spoken to his agent and we are getting nearer.

"I hope we will have a decision very soon," said the manager. "We have Marian Kello and I would like Balogh here too. We have made him and offer but that is not my business."

Meanwhile, Hearts had several players on international duty last night including Scotland pair Michael Stewart and Christophe Berra, who featured in the 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland at Hampden Park in front of the watching Laszlo.

Larry Kingston created a dramatic late equaliser for goalkeeping brother Richard in Ghana's 1-1 draw with Tanzania, whilst the club's Lithuanian players helped their country to a 3-0 win over Moldova.

MacDonald, Lee Wallace and Calum Elliot all played key roles in Scotland Under-21s' 3-0 victory over Lithuania.

• HEARTS announced yesterday that midfielder Kestutis Ivaskevicius has returned to FBK Kaunas following the completion of his loan deal.

Taken from the Scotsman