Hearts braced for second Wigan bid for Callum Paterson

Hearts are bracing themselves for a second bid from Wigan for their Scotland right-back Callum Paterson.

Hearts' Callum Paterson, left, at training with John Souttar. Picture: SNS

The English Championship club had their initial approach rebuffed this morning, with Hearts unmoved by the sum being offered for the 21-year-old who first broke into the first team in 2012. The club had been aware of interest in the player who has entered the final year of his current contract with the Tynecastle club but he has proved himself a valuable asset within Robbie Neilson’s squad.

The opening gambit from Wigan was considered unacceptable but the club are preparing themselves for an increased offer as the Latics seek to strengthen before the transfer window closes.

Manager Gary Caldwell has already brought in Luke Garbutt on loan from Everton and re-signed Jordi Gomez from Sunderland in the past couple of days and, having kept a close eye on Paterson, who gained his first senior cap against Italy at the end of last season, the English club are now looking to add the Scotland defender to their squad.

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