Hearts have first option to sign Pinilla on four-year deal

Pinilla's contractual rights are shared equally by both Hearts and Inter Milan, however, Vladimir Romanov will have the opportunity to purchase the player outright in June. The current agreement between the clubs includes a clause entitling the Tynecastle side to exclusive ownership of Pinilla on a new four-year contract.

It is unclear whether Romanov will opt to invoke that clause due to the incessant injury troubles which have afflicted the 24-year-old in Scotland. He currently earns around 12,000 a week but has made just eight competitive appearances for Hearts in 18 months.

Pinilla is presently rehabilitating at Riccarton following a knee ligament injury and is unlikely to play again this season. He has spoken openly of his situation with Hearts, saying: "I have contract to June with Hearts with the option to renew for four more years. That is already signed. They can do it cash and, if not, I remain free and I will consider my options."

The Chilean internationalist claims to have perennial interest from Lazio but stressed no talks have taken place. Walter Sabatini, sporting director of the Rome club, has monitored Pinilla since he first joined Inter in 2003, although the player insists he is content with life in Edinburgh.

He explained: "I am happy here, the people have been spectacular with me and it is not correct to speak of other teams for the moment, because that would be a lack of respect for my club and

there are no discussions. It has always been known that Lazio wanted me. It is not a new rumour, it comes from before. I know that the sports director considered bringing me to the club but, in reality, we have had no talks.

"The business (Passball, the Santiago-based sports agency] is always considering many options for me and there are always offers. I am never short of possibilities to be put on file (at clubs] here in Europe."

Medics are encouraged by Pinilla's recovery from ligament trouble so far. Doubts remain about him attaining full fitness before the end of the current campaign but hope is present in the striker's mind. "I expect to be back before the season finishes and not be left unable to play," he said.

Hearts midfielder Larry Kingston suffered injury and elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations yesterday as Ghana lost 1-0 to Cameroon at the semi-final stage.

Kingston twisted his ankle in the warm-up and had to be replaced in the starting line-up.

He will remain in Africa until after Ghana's third place play-off with Ivory Coast tomorrow before returning to Edinburgh, where his fitness will be assessed by Hearts medical staff ahead of the visit to Celtic next weekend.