Summer is upon us which means the transfer rumour mill is up and running. And Ryan Stevenson has spilled the beans on one story he’s seen doing the rounds involving Hearts.
The ex-Jambos star claims to have heard gossip involving a shock move north of the border for ex-Scotland international Oli McBurnie. The one-time £20million striker is dragging his heels over a new contract with relegated Sheffield United as he weighs up his future. Much-maligned McBurnie, 27, has spent his entire career down south and has more than a century of goals to his name in just over 300 appearances.
Despite finishing bottom of the Premier League, McBurnie still managed to end the campaign as the Blades’ joint top scorer with six goals – which included strikes against Manchester United and Chelsea. However, the ex-Swansea City and Barnsley forward could soon become a free agent as he considers whether or not to extend his five-year stay at Bramall Lane.
Although McBurnie’s pay demands would undoubtedly blow the Gorgie side out of the water, Stevenson has heard rumors linking the out-of-contract frontman with an unlikely move to Tynecastle. The former attacker feels this is the kind of marquee signing that Steven Naismith should be looking for.
“They name this time of year’silly season’ for a reason,” he said to the Daily Record. After the domestic action ended, no one was available to put an end to the frenzied transfer rumors that were circulating because players, managers, and agents were all away on a beach somewhere. And the Premiership already has a large number of them. While some will be Jackanory crap, others will have substance.
However, I would be thrilled if the rumor that’s been going around—that the Hearts are interested in Oli McBurnie—turns out to be accurate. That may prove to be more of a load of crap than a Tory election pledge, but that’s the precise player level that Hearts should be pursuing this summer, in my opinion.
“I genuinely think it’s a compelling offer that many players would find appealing. When it comes to making a statement signing, I only hope that club leaders are thinking along similar lines.”
Given that Lawrence Shankland is nearing the end of his Hearts contract and has hinted at a potential summer departure, Stevenson believes McBurnie, a proven goal scorer, would be the ideal successor for the 31-goal striker.
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