Hearts won't pursue bid for Bryson

HEARTS have no intention of resurrecting a move for Kilmarnock's Craig Bryson in the wake of the collapse of Paul Hartley's proposed transfer.

Manager Jim Jefferies has instead focused his attentions on alternative options but will not pursue Finnish midfielder Kari Arkivuo, who left yesterday following a brief trial period.

Hartley signed a two-year contract with Aberdeen yesterday after his release from Bristol City and immediately assumed the captaincy at Pittodrie. However, Hearts are adamant they will not be returning to Kilmarnock with an increased offer for Bryson.

Killie chairman Michael Johnston refused a 375,000 offer for the 23-year-old midfielder and Jefferies said today he will not reignite negotiations, and the only prospect of talks recommencing will be if Kilmarnock contact Hearts.

"It's Kilmarnock's prerogative to turn down the offer," he said. "We've made the offer and the only way it can be resurrected is if we get word back that they would like to do a deal.

"The two clubs are well apart. If it can be resurrected it will have to be done from the Kilmarnock end. If not, it won't stop us looking at other options."

Arkivuo gave a decent account of himself in Tuesday night's friendly against Dunfermline but Jefferies decided he did not need another right-sided midfielder. Adrian Mrowiec, however, remains on trial and travelled to England with Hearts yesterday for games against Gillingham tonight and Millwall on Saturday. Also included in a 19-man squad was Scotland full-back Lee Wallace, who is fit again following a calf tear. Kevin Kyle, Andy Driver, Ruben Palazuelos, Gary Glen and Jason Thomson all miss the England trip through injury.