Clubs circling Danny Grainger after Hearts exit

Published on 06/06/2013 12:00

DANNY GRAINGER is wanted by three SPL clubs plus League One side Sheffield United after leaving Hearts.

The 26-year-old has been invited to do pre-season training with United, although that may need to be ratified once a new manager is appointed at Bramall Lane. Teams in Scotland, thought to include St Mirren, are keen to offer him a contract for next season but Grainger wants to see what materialises from Sheffield United's interest.

They parted company with manager Danny Wilson in April and, with Chris Morgan currently in a caretaker role, have yet to appoint a replacement. After several seasons in the SPL with Gretna, Dundee United, St Johnstone and Hearts, Grainger's reputation as a reliable left-back is secure and a number of suitors now wait in the wings.

The player left Hearts at the end of the season after being told he would not be offered an extension to the two-year contract he signed in summer 2011. He sat out the second half of the campaign after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, which required surgery.

Hearts helped Grainger with his rehabilitation at their Riccarton training ground, although he was told in January he would be free to leave this summer. He is keen to try and secure a move to a reputable club in his native England, although a return to Scotland is not being ruled out.

Hearts' established left-back ahead of next season is Kevin McHattie, who turns 20 next month. He deputised for Grainger throughout the second half of last season and will be given the chance to make the position his own next term.

Taken from the Scotsman