Controversial ex-star Webster could return to Hearts

SCOTLAND defender Andy Webster could secure a dramatic return to Hearts if Vladimir Romanov can be persuaded to sanction the defender's signing following his release from Rangers last night.

Jim Jefferies is keen to reinforce his defence by bringing the 28-year-old back to Tynecastle five years after his acrimonious departure.

However, he must convince Romanov, the club's majority shareholder, that the player would be committed to Hearts since he invoked an unknown FIFA ruling to opt out of a contract with the club in 2006.

Hibernian and Dundee United are also interested in Webster, who is now a free agent and therefore not bound by transfer window regulations after Rangers agreed to settle his contract yesterday. He spent a successful season at Tannadice during 2009/10 when he captained the club to Scottish Cup success and will consider all options open to him.

Hearts hoped to press forward with negotiations for Webster today ahead of tomorrow night's meeting with Rangers at Ibrox.

The player left Edinburgh under a cloud in 2006 after using a FIFA ruling to cancel his Hearts contract, which still had 12 months to run. He initially joined Wigan Athletic before moving to Rangers six months later.

Meanwhile, the Lithuanian winger Arvydas Novikovas has joined St Johnstone on loan until the end of the season in an effort to secure regular first-team football. Opportunities at Hearts would have been restricted during the second half of the campaign with David Templeton, Andy Driver and Suso all challenging for his position.