Kyle, Miller and O'Brien are all pre-contract targets for Hearts

HEARTS have handed sport director Alexandr Metlitski a list of pre-contract signing targets, including Kilmarnock captain Kevin Kyle, Aberdeen's Lee Miller and Motherwell winger Jim O'Brien.

•Jim O'Brien, Lee Miller and Kevin Kyle

Metlitski has responsibility for negotiating contracts and recruiting new players following his arrival from Belarus last month.

It remains to be seen if he will act upon the recommendations from coaching staff at Riccarton, who are keen to secure at least one of the above targets for next season.

Kyle, Miller and O'Brien are all out of contract at the end of the season with their respective clubs and are currently considering their options. Kyle's future at Kilmarnock is in doubt following the departure of manager Jim Jefferies and a public fallout with chairman Michael Johnston.

The 28-year-old has scored 15 goals in 30 appearances for the Ayrshire club since arriving from Coventry City 12 months ago. Csaba Laszlo, the Hearts manager, is a long-term admirer of Miller and is aware that the player is refusing to commit to a new contract at Pittodrie.

Aberdeen officials are concerned about the prospect of Miller walking out for free at the end of the current campaign and manager Mark McGhee has already admitted the striker has "options".

He previously played at Tynecastle on loan from Bristol City during season 2004/05, scoring 11 times in 23 appearances. His record this season stands at four goals from 20 outings.

O'Brien's form for Motherwell this season has earned him a number of suitors but a move to Hearts may be the most attractive for the former Celtic player.