Wanted by Wycombe /Hearts striker Ikpeazu set for English Championship
Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu is nearing an exit from Tynecastle Park after travelling south for a medical at Wycombe Wanderers, writes Barry
Anderson.
The English Championship newcomers are keen to sign the 25-year-old and the Edinburgh club will not stand in his way.
Hearts are expected to pocket a transfer fee given Ikpeazu’s contract at Tynecastle Park has two years to run.
Wycombe earned promotion from League One via the play-offs and are now seeking to reinforce their attack with the capture of Ikpeazu.
He was keen to fight for a place at Hearts following Robbie Neilson’s arrival as manager, but the chance to switch to England’s second tier came up unexpectedly.
The giant forward joined Hearts two years ago from Cambridge United and quickly became popular with supporters due to his physical presence.
His popularity was enhanced when he twice scored important goals in Edinburgh derbies against Hibernian at Easter Road.
He fell out of favour under former manager Daniel Stendel last season and
Wycombe’s interest has resulted in a potential move south provided there are no last-minute complications.
Neilson has been busy reorganising his squad and Ikpeazu would become the latest departure after Oliver Bozanic, Conor Washington, Sean Clare, Bobby
Burns and Callumn Morrison all left.
Washington has joined Charlton Athletic, Clare has moved to Oxford United, Burns has signed for Barrow and Morrison has been snapped up by Falkirk.
Goalkeeper Colin Doyle has also been loaned out to
Kilmarnock until January.
Neilson has signed three players so far; goalkeepers Craig Gordon and Ross Stewart and winger Jordan Roberts.
Hearts have also offered a short-term contract to former Motherwell winger Elliott Frear after he spent
two weeks training at Riccarton.
The 29-year-old has returned home to Exeter to mull over the proposal, with both parties content not to rush a decision.
Frear played for Forest Green Rovers in English League Two last season.