LEVEIN: CLUBS ALL TRYING TO PENNY PINCH
BY GREIG THOMAS CRAIG LEVEIN has no qualms about clubs trying to “penny pinch” his players – because he does the same thing when trying to make signings for Hearts.
Levein insisted Rangers’ pursuit of Kyle Lafferty has not progressed this week despite talks between the clubs after an initial bid of £200,000 was rejected.
But the Tynecastle boss is calm about the matter.
Levein said: “I have no problem with clubs trying to penny pinch players. I do it myself.
“That’s part of business and I don’t want to talk about how anyone else does their business.
“Whenever there is interest from other clubs and an opportunity to earn more money then the player will be interested. That’s normal.”
Lafferty – who was by the side of his wife Vanessa yesterday as she prepares to give birth to their first child – is expected to be in the Hearts squad that lines up for their league opener against Hamilton tomorrow.
Levein added: “I’ve had a couple of chats with people at Rangers this week without there being any other development.
“The thing isn’t dead but the offer that was made is not good enough.
“This sort of thing happens at every club all the time but it seems to cause more of a fuss with Kyle than anybody else.
“It is the normal course of things. There seems to be more interest and I assume it’s because Rangers are involved.
“Kyle is all right. He has been off with his wife due to give birth. He will be in a good place because of that and he’ll be back in training. I plan on him being involved on Saturday against Hamilton.”
The Tynecastle gaffer also insisted Chris Sutton’s criticism of Lafferty was “silly” after the pundit labelled the in-demand striker “a nutter”.
The Record Sport columnist made the comment this week when asked about Rangers’ interest in the striker.
While Levein was keen not to become embroiled in a war of words with Sutton, he claimed the former Celtic striker’s criticism was ill-judged.
The Hearts boss said: “I’m sure Chris will regret that. It was just a little bit silly. I don’t want to get involved much more other than to say that.
“Chris is a decent guy and I’m sure he maybe regrets saying that. My view is when he looks at it again he will think it was a wee bit silly to get involved.
“Since Kyle has been here, I’ve had a brilliant relationship with him.”
One man who does appear destined for the exit door is Don Cowie, who is weighing up his options after Hearts accepted an approach for him.
The 35-year-old has been informed that first-team opportunities will be limited this season.
While in no rush to force the midfielder out of Tynecastle, Levein will not stand in his way.