Hearts boss has ex-Hibs striker Killen in his sights

The Evening News has learned that Killen is rated highly by the Hungarian and his paymaster, Vladimir Romanov, and is one of several players being monitored by the Tynecastle hierarchy.

Nathan Tyson, the Nottingham Forest forward, is also attracting interest from Hearts but no official moves have yet been made as Laszlo and Romanov consider their options for the forthcoming transfer window.

Laszlo revealed his desire for a new striker and right-sided midfielder to the Evening News earlier this week. Killen is currently rehabilitating following a knee injury and is unlikely to be ready for first-team duty until January.

However, that is unlikely to discourage Hearts should they decide to move for the former Hibernian player. Celtic would be entitled to a fee for Killen, 27, whose 5000-a-week contract runs until summer 2010, although a loan deal may be preferable to Hearts.

He has been out of favour at Parkhead for over a year and, once fit, will find himself behind Scott McDonald, Georgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Cillian Sheridan in the pecking order.

"At the moment, Chris is only thinking about getting fit, which is only natural," said the player's agent, Stephen Hughes. "We haven't discussed his future or which clubs might be interested at the moment, he needs his fitness first."

Tyson is available to sign a pre-contract agreement in January as his contract at Nottingham Forest expires next June. An England Under-20 internationalist, he has scored 26 goals in 72 league appearances for the Championship club.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Romanov's bank, Ukio Bankas, has announced profits of 21.8 million for the last 11 months.

HEARTS' postponed SPL clash with Motherwell has been re-arranged for Wednesday January 7, 2009, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

HEARTS today launched ticket sales for the forthcoming Scottish Cup Edinburgh derby against Hibs at Easter Road for supporters with 44 Hearts Loyalty Points or more. Tickets are available 24 hours from 0871 663 1874, online via www.heartsfc.co.uk, from the Tynecastle ticket centre and Hearts city store in St James Shopping Centre.

Hearts also reported highly positive sales of tickets for the SPL meeting with Dundee United at Tynecastle on December 20. The club is calling upon supporters to come home to rock the famous stadium to its foundations for a vital game against Craig Levein's side. Tickets are available in the same way as above.