Hearts target Hartley can go on free transfer

PAUL HARTLEY is available to Hearts or any other interested party on a free transfer after Bristol City confirmed the midfielder can leave Ashton Gate for nothing despite 12 months remaining on his contract.

Tynecastle officials spoke with Hartley's representatives earlier this week and are aware that he is available for free. However, the Edinburgh club have yet to submit a formal offer aimed at luring the 33-year-old back to Gorgie.

Steve Coppell, the Bristol City manager, left Hartley out of his squad for a pre-season trip to Sweden and has admitted he does not expect him to be with the Championship club this season. Hartley has made clear his intentions to return to Scotland and Hearts remain his first choice, although he has several other options both north and south of the border.

With clubs across Britain now well into their pre-season programmes, Hartley will be faced with having to look elsewhere if a formal proposal from Hearts is not forthcoming. Jim Jefferies remains a huge admirer of the Scotland internationalist but has made inquiries about other midfielders and will not be pressed into action.

"I know all about Paul's situation," he said. "We're not going to say whether a deal will be done quickly or not.

"We just hope that some of the inquiries that we have made, not just for Paul, but other players, that we see where we'll stand and we'll make our moves then when we know the positions for everybody."