Hearts close in on deal for Danny Wilson

Published on 22/05/2013 12:00

HEARTS are close to signing Danny Wilson permanently on a long-term contract, the Evening News can reveal. Talks between player and club are at an advanced stage and both parties are near an agreement to keep the Scotland internationalist at Tynecastle.

Wilson’s loan from Liverpool is due to expire and his Anfield contract will not be extended into next season. Discussions with Hearts have been ongoing for several weeks and are now nearing a conclusion, which would see the 21-year-old 
become Gary Locke’s first 
signing as manager.

Hearts are now free of all signing restrictions imposed by the Scottish Premier League last season for their failure to pay wages and bonuses on time. They will be able to register new players when the summer transfer window officially opens on July 1.

Despite ongoing uncertainty over finances with parent company Ukio Bankas Investment Group on the brink of administration, Locke is continuing to prepare for next season and is keen to recruit several new faces.

Signing Wilson would be a popular move with supporters following his steady performances in 14 appearances since he joined Hearts on loan from Liverpool in January.

As the defender prepares to secure his future, another Hearts player is looking for a new club. Midfielder Mehdi Taouil was released yesterday two years into a three-year contract. Hearts opted not to take up their option of an extra year having deemed him surplus to requirements for next season.

He made 68 appearances during his two-year stay in 
Edinburgh.

Taken from the Scotsman