Union Berlin are on radar for Jambos

HEARTS are planning a two-game trip to Germany next month to face Union Berlin and another local side as the Edinburgh club look to intensify their pre-season preparations.

Verbal agreements have been made for Hearts to face Union in a friendly on Saturday, July 9, however that will only go ahead provided another game can be secured for Thursday, July 7.

Union have begun advertising the Saturday match but Hearts supporters are advised to wait before making travel arrangements as contracts have yet to be signed and the trip will only take place if a second match can be finalised.

Hearts depart for Italy this weekend, where the first-team squad will stay for seven nights at the luxurious Il Ciocco complex in Tuscany. They will do most of the physical pre-season work there before returning to Edinburgh.

They then face East Fife at New Bayview on Tuesday, July 5, before potentially flying out to Germany the following day for two friendlies which would step up their preparations ahead of the SPL kick-off on July 23.