Hearts hopeful of Andy Webster decision soon

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on 31/05/2013 12:00

HEARTS hope to hear whether Andy Webster will stay at Tynecastle within the next 48 hours. The 31-year-old's contract expires today and a new deal was offered several weeks ago. However, the player has yet to accept.

Webster is keeping his cards close to his chest and has given no indication of where his future lies. The offer from Hearts is on reduced terms as the club continue to purge their wage bill and bring costs down.

The contract remains on the table at the moment but manager Gary Locke is eager for some kind of hint from Webster regarding next season as he attempts to plan ahead.

The centre-back will be on international duty next week when Scotland head to Croatia for a meaningless World Cup qualifier. Hearts remain hopeful that he will inform them of his plans before leaving for Zagreb.

Webster rejoined the Edinburgh club in January 2011 having left in 2006 under acrimonious circumstances following a fallout with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov. He returned to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal which expires today, and Hearts are keen to retain his experience for the new season.

Meanwhile, the Edinburgh club face competition from both Aberdeen and Dundee United for the loan signature of striker David Goodwillie.

All three SPL clubs want to bring the 24-year-old back to Scotland for next season, with Hearts favourites at the moment. All interested parties have been instructed to put their offers to his club, Blackburn Rovers. Goodwillie and Kris Boyd are two players targeted by Locke as he attempts to reinforce his forward line.

Taken from the Scotsman