Hearts set to lose key club figures to Celtic and QPR

HEARTS are facing the prospect of losing two key club officials with Celtic closing in on youth academy director John Murray and Queens Park Rangers close to luring commercial director Ali Russell to Loftus Road.

Murray has been approached by Parkhead officials and offered the post of head of youth recruitment and is expected to decide on the move before the end of next week. Should he accept, he would work at Celtic's new Lennoxtown training base alongside Tommy Burns and John Park.

Russell has all but secured the chief executive position at QPR and the Evening News understands Hearts staff have already been informed of his imminent departure. His stock rose considerably recently when he helped secure Hearts a 2million kit manufacturing deal with Umbro, although a move into senior club management may come as a surprise to some.

Murray's departure would be most deeply felt by Hearts in a footballing sense as his work with both youth and professional players at Riccarton ensured him respect throughout the game. The Northern Irishman has been at Tynecastle for 11 years since first being installed by Jim Jefferies.

Hearts are currently discussing Celtic's approach for Murray and, while reluctant to let him leave, are unlikely to stand in his way should he wish to head to Glasgow.