Hearts' target Elliot in city to discuss possible deal

REPUBLIC of Ireland international striker Stephen Elliot has arrived at Riccarton for contract discussions with Hearts as the mystery transfer target identified by manager Jim Jefferies earlier this week.

The 26-year-old is transfer listed at Preston North End and has been told by the club's manager, Darren Ferguson, that he is surplus to requirements.

Negotiations between Hearts and Preston are ongoing and the player is willing to defect to Scotland in an attempt to resurrect his career.

He scored 22 goals in 55 league starts for Sunderland between 2004 and 2007 and was a team-mate of recent Hearts signing Kevin Kyle at the Stadium of Light.

However, subsequent transfers to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Preston North End have proved unsuccessful and he is keen on a fresh start in the SPL.

A source close to Preston said: "Hearts have expressed an interest in Stephen but nothing has been agreed at this stage. He is up there now but nothing is done as yet."

Elliot has a year remaining on his contract at Deepdale, although it remains to be seen whether Preston request a transfer fee or allow him to leave for free. They are keen for him to move but he would require to take a reduction in salary to join Hearts as his current basic wage stands at 6,500 a week.

Elliot has nine full caps for the Republic of Ireland but has not featured at international level since Giovanni Trapattoni was appointed coach of Ireland in 2008.