Macedonian hitman linked with Hearts

Published on Monday 29 June 2009 09:59

MACEDONIAN international striker Ilco Naumoski claims Hearts have made him a formal contract offer as he prepares to leave the Austrian club SV Mattersburg as a free agent.

Naumoski scored the goal which consigned Scotland to a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Skopje last September and believes his bustling style would be ideally suited to British football. He said today Celtic are courting his services following the expiry of his Mattersburg contract, but insisted the only SPL side to make him an official offer is Hearts.

"I believe Hearts are one of the three that have brought an offer to the table but I don't want to go into detail at this stage," said the 25-year-old, who has scored six goals in 29 games for Macedonia.

"I know Csaba Laszlo was the manager of the year in Scotland last season and my adviser speaks very highly about him. I think Scottish football would suit me. I love the pace and the mentality shown in the game. I believe some players there will still remember me from when I scored in the qualifier against Scotland.

"But, of course, I know of teams such as Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Aberdeen. Scotland would strengthen my personality and I think there will be more competition than in Austria, more matches."

Reading have also been credited with an interest in Naumoski along with Red Bull Salzburg.

The player continued: "I will decide in the next days where I will go. There are good opportunities in Scotland and England. Of course, finance plays some part but I will decide together with my adviser."