Hearts set on loan deal for Heardo
SCOTTISH Premiership side Heart of Midlothian could take Tom Heardman on loan next season.
The 6ft 4in striker is also attracting plenty of interest from League One clubs and is likely to be sent out to gain first-team experience after being assessed by Rafa Benitez in pre-season training.
Heardman, now 21, has spent time on loan at Gateshead and Hartlepool in the past but, after spending time back at United, is ready for the next chapter in his career.
The Gosforth-born player impressed in the second string last season and has been rewarded with a new contract at St James’ Park.
A move to Hearts would see Heardman reunited with former Toon coach Ian Cathro, who is now head coach at Tynecastle.
Experience north of the border would offer Heardman the senior action he craves with huge games against Rangers and Celtic thrown into the bargain.
Heardman is looking forward to a clear run of training with no injuries this summer.
He said: “I was injured in pre-season a couple of years ago and it was a blow.
“It is really important to get a good pre-season under your belt to get you prepared.
“That is what I will be aiming to do in the next few weeks.”
Peter Beardsley rates Heardman highly and said recently: “He wants to be the club’s No 9. To be fair he does some brilliant things.
“You can see the crowd’s reaction to him and he gets applause. It is really pleasing.
“He is my type of character in terms of technique.
“He has a lot of attributes which people like to see.”