Jambos snap up Saints’ MacLean

HEARTS have sealed their first signing ahead of next season by tying up striker Steven MacLean from St Johnstone on a two-year deal. He is believed to have agreed a pre-contract deal.

The 35-year-old scored 54 times for Saints in nearly 200 outings, including netting the second goal in their 2014 Scottish Cup Final win against Dundee United.

He recently stated: “I want to keep on playing whether it’s at St Johnstone or somewhere else.”

Hearts are expected to snap up 10 new players with Scotland keeper Allan McGregor and Cambridge United forward Uche Ikpeazu two of the targets.

Despite the move, MacLean is certain to line up for Saints away to Dundee on Saturday.

He is the only fully fit forward in the Perth men’s squad with Chris Kane out for the season, Denny Johnstone possibly out for the season and David McMillan and Callum Hendry coming back from injury.

Apart from that, midfield man Blair Alston is out injured for the season and defender Brian Easton and playmaker Stefan Scougall are on their way back from long-term injuries.

Murray Davidson misses the Dundee game and the home fixture against Partick Thistle due to a ban.

Saints face Hamilton in a Development League game at McDiarmid tomorrow (6pm). The match will give the younger players a chance to impress with a view to facing Dundee.

Steven McLean has agreed to join Hearts next season.