Hearts drop interest in Spaniard Alvaro Merida

Neilson has spoken of seeking up to five new signings. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The former Atletico Madrid youth and Roma reserve has been at the club’s Riccarton training base in a bid to win a move to Tynecastle.

The 22-year-old, who also spent time in the Getafe youth system, has fallen down the leagues in Spain but was once highly regarded in his homeland, where he was likened to Cesc Fabregas.

However, it is understood the attacking midfielder has not done enough this week to convince Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson that he can improve the squad for next season in the Premiership.

Neilson has already spoken of seeking up to five new signings as he prepares to take the Gorgie outfit back into the top flight following their runaway title success this season in the Championship. However, with much of Hearts’ success this term stemming from a wealth of attacking talent in midfield, where they are well served by the likes of Jamie Walker, Sam Nicholson, Billy King and Kenny Anderson, Merida does not meet the standards Neilson is seeking.

Hearts have said they are aiming for a top-six finish in the Premiership next season.

QUIZ: can you name these 16 Scottish footballers from the nineties/ early 2000s?