Bruno Aguiar in talks with Laszlo over Hearts return

BRUNO Aguiar has had talks with Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo about returning to Tynecastle, just half a season after quitting Scotland.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia on a three-year deal last summer after his contract with Hearts expired, but would be free to return without the need for a transfer fee.

Over the course of several telephone conversations with Laszlo, Aguiar spoke about a possible move this month, but got the impression the manager is more likely to be allowed to sign players in the summer rather than during the present transfer window.

He knows Laszlo's priority is an experienced striker, but believes his own goal-scoring record could also help Hearts find a solution to their main problem this season.

Aguiar had a long-term injury during his time with Hearts, and only hit his best form last season, when he played in an advanced position just behind a lone striker. He became convinced that is his best position, but has been returned to a more orthodox midfield role at Omonia.

The 28-year-old believes he left Scottish football at the wrong time, when he was playing the most effective football of his career. He would have stayed at Hearts had he been offered the same terms as his previous contract, and did not want to take a wage cut – a decision which was vindicated financially when Omonia gave him a better deal than he had in Edinburgh.

If Hearts continue to cut their wage bill, Laszlo may find he does not have the resources to bring Aguiar back. But the player himself is expected to be more flexible in negotiations than he was last summer, and would probably return for a smaller salary than the one he previously enjoyed.