Hearts in loan bid for Charlton striker

Published on Monday 21 December 2009 22:56

HEARTS are set to hold talks with Charlton striker Izale McLeod in the next 24 hours with a view to signing the former England Under-21 internationalist on loan in January.

The former Derby and MK Dons marksman was due to fly into Edinburgh yesterday and is expected to train with Csaba Laszlo's side this morning before commencing negotiations over a temporary move.

The Tynecastle outfit see the 25-year-old, who cost the Addicks 1.1 million when he signed from MK Dons in summer 2007 on a four-year deal, as a solution to their much-documented striking problems. If McLeod does join, it will be second time lucky for Hearts after they failed to agree a price with Charlton over a permanent transfer during the previous window.

Retired former Hull City player Tony Finnigan, who represents McLeod, said: "In the last transfer window I spoke to Sergi Fedotovas (Hearts director) but they could not agree a price.

"That was just left but they have chased it up again and they are talking about a loan with a possible review. I am just waiting for him to give me a call to decide. He will have a look around today (Monday) and possibly train on Tuesday and then come back down.

"What I said to the lad is, go up there – I have lived in Edinburgh – so I know what it's like. It's a nice city and I know they have the derby there between Hearts and Hibs. It's a good club and I told him to go and have a look before you commit yourself as before he would have just gone up there without thinking. The talking is pretty much standard because when you are on loan you just take over the contract and he is not on massive wages so that side of it will be okay."

Charlton manager Phil Parkinson is willing to allow McLeod to leave on loan as the striker has made just six starts for the League One side this term, scoring three goals.

Hearts manager Laszlo is desperate to bolster his attacking options. The Gorgie outfit have notched just 15 goals in 16 SPL matches this season with principle striker Christian Nade netting a meagre two.

If there are no obstacles over talks, McLeod could sign in time to make his debut in the capital derby at Hibs on 3 January.