Levein’s delight as Halkett signs a pre-contract agreement at Hearts
● Livingston captain finally pens deal ● Gorgie club appeal Ikpeazu booking
Hearts have completed the signing of Livingston captain Craig Halkett on a pre-contract agreement.
The 23-year-old defender will move to Tynecastle Park on a three-year deal when his contract in West Lothian expires this summer.
Talks between the Edinburgh club and Halkett’s representatives had been ongoing for weeks and the player has finally put pen to paper after deciding his future lay in Gorgie.
Hibs had been credited with an interest in Halkett, who is leaving livingston after three and-a-half years. He came through the Rangers youth academy but left Glasgow in January 2016 seeking regular first-team football.
He quickly became a key player at Livingston and helped record back-to-back promotions, taking them from League 1 into the Premiership in successive seasons. He was appointed captain last season but, after more than 100 games for the club, is set for pastures new at Tynecastle this summer.
“I’m delighted that Craig has committed to signing for Hearts,” the Tynecastle manager Craig Levein told his club’s website. “He’s a talented player and, at 23 years old, is at an age where he can continue to develop and progress. This club is the right place for him to do so and I look forward to welcoming him in the summer.”
Halkett is Levein’s latest sign
ing as he seeks to strengthen his defensive options for next year. Congolese centre-back Clevid Dikamona recently extended his contract, while on-loan Conor Shaughnessy will return to parent club Leeds United in May.
The former Leeds and Barnsley left-back Aidy White joined Hearts last month on a twoyear deal and is currently working on his fitness after a long period out injured.
Meanwhile, Hearts have launched an appeal against Uche Ikpeazu’s yellow card
after the striker was booked for diving against Aberdeen.
Television footage has shown that the powerful forward was caught by Dons goalkeeper Joe Lewis during the 62nd-minute incident as Ikpeazu chased down a passback.
Referee John Beaten saw it differently at the time and cautioned the 24-year-old, a decision that left Ikpeazu visibly infuriated.
Scottish FA rules allow for yellow cards handed out for simulation to be appealed and manager Levein has decided that the club should challenge the booking.
After the game, Levein said: “It’s a stonewall penalty, clear contact.
“John said he thought he dived, fair enough, but he didn’t and it’s as clear a penalty as you’ll ever see.”
Hearts midfielder Sean Clare cancelled out Connor Mclennan’s first-half half opener from the penalty spot in the 59th minute before Ikpeazu notched his sixth goal of the campaign in the 77th minute.
However, the former Cambridge player was forced off only moments after his goal with suspected concussion and is now a major doubt for tomorrow’s trip to Rangers.
The forward had been challenging for an aerial ball with Dom Ball and appeared to strike his head on the ground as he fell.
After receiving treatment both on the pitch and in the home dugout, the dazed player was taken away in a stretcher.
However, Ikpeazu has taken to Twitter to indicate that the head knock is not as bad as first feared.
He said: “Thanks for your concerning messages @ Jamtarts fans, much appreciated! I feel good see you soon.”