Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
KYLE’S HEART SET ON MOVE TO TYNECASTLE
KYLE LAFFERTY is set to book his return to Scottish football this morning by agreeing a move to Hearts. The 29-year-old Northern Irishman (above) held his second round of talks with the Tynecastle club yesterday and promised to provide an
answer to their advances today. The 29-year-old striker has been sold on the idea of continuing his career with the the Jambos despite late interest from Edinburgh rivals Hibs. After lengthy talks at Tynecastle last night, the Gorgie side look to have done enough to persuade him to lead their attack next season by making him their highest paid player and uniting him at club level with international team-mates Aaron Hughes and Peterborough rightback Michael Smith, who’s also expected to sign on. Hearts assistant Austin Macphee is also a part of Michael O’neill’s Northern Ireland backroom team and has also played a part in selling the move to a player who isn’t short of options since becoming available on a free transfer after leaving Norwich City. Easter Road boss Neil Lennon had been set to meet Lafferty tomorrow to try and convince his former Old Firm adversary to commit to playing for the Leith club but that face to face now appears unlikely to take place, unless there’s a last minute U-turn. Lafferty was last night weighing up his options and his future appears to be in the capital despite more lucrative offers to remain down south with Ipswich Town leading a host of clubs on his trail. The striker also has offers from abroad to consider but it’s understood the former Rangers hitman’s preference is on a move back to Scotland for personal reasons and Jambos boss Ian Cathro now appears to have his man.