JON’S GOT HIS HEART SET ON MOVE AWAY Levein admits Jambos can’t compete for on-form keeper
CRAIG LEVEIN admits he’s fighting a losing battle to keep Jon McLaughlin as the Hearts No.1 prepares to move back south.
The on-loan Burton Albion shotstopper has impressed since his switch last year but is set to turn down a new contract offer.
And Levein claims the Jambos just can’t compete financially with some of the clubs keen to take him back to England.
The 30-year-old has forced his way into the Scotland reckoning and was a member of the last squad named by Alex McLeish.
That has boosted his profile further and Levein has revealed some big English clubs are keen on him.
He said: “Jon will probably move back to England. I’ve had numerous discussions with him and he’s had interest from some fairly big clubs.
“We can’t compete with that financially. Jon and I have spoken regularly about it.
“When he does move on, he does so with my best wishes and everybody else’s at the club because he’s been a great player to have around the dressing room as well as on the field.”
McLaughlin’s departure will be a blow to Hearts who have relied heavily on their defence this season.
The keeper formed a strong partnership at the back with Christophe Berra and John Souttar, a foundation that has seen them lose just 32 league goals – only Celtic have conceded less.
And the Jambos set a club record for clean sheets earlier this season, going eight games without losing a goal.
Work is already under way to replace the former Burton and Bradford man who replaced Jack Hamilton as the Tynecastle No.1.
The Jambos had been linked with Scotland goalie Allan McGregor but Record Sport revealed yesterday he is set to join old club Rangers from Hull instead.
Levein plans to bring in as many as nine players for the new campaign.
He has already boosted his strike force with the capture of Steven MacLean from St Johnstone and Uche Ikpeazu from Cambridge.
The Tynecastle gaffer also plans to swoop for Irish winger Jake Mulraney from Inverness and talks have already begun over a deal.
Young Hearts midfielder Angus Beith is set to head the other way as part of the move and Levein hopes to finalise things with Caley Thistle boss John Robertson.
He said: “Nothing is signed and sealed. I’ve been speaking to Robbo back and forwards.
“Angus is a player we like but has had problems injury wise. While he’s been injured, some of the younger ones have improved past him and because of that he’s probably not had as much game time as he’d like at his age.
“It’s a fantastic situation for him and also for young Jake.”