The capital club have already kicked off talks with veteran Craig Gordon about fresh terms after his return to fitness with the likes of Craig Halkett, Beni Baningime and Alan Forrest also in the deals picture.
Hearts are aiming to sign SEVEN first-team players to new contracts.
Steven Naismith has announced that negotiations to extend the contract of experienced custodian and Scotland international Craig Gordon are underway. The 40-year-old has regained full fitness and has been called to the Gorgie bench in recent games, with Zander Clark serving as the team’s starting goalkeeper. The Jambos manager does not anticipate any difficulties in completing that task, as he seeks a place in Steve Clarke’s Euro 2024 side for Germany next summer.
Popular Liam Boyce has already agreed to extend his contract for another year, with a 12-month extension triggered, while the Edinburgh Evening News reports that Craig Halkett and Beni Baningime have spoken to Tynecastle management about extending their contracts. Both have had injury issues in the capital but are back in the fold. The report states that the club are hopeful both will commit but are yet to give definitive answers.
Alan Forrest is anticipated to be granted new terms when his present contract expires in the summer, while extension discussions for midfielders Peter Haring and Andy Halliday have yet to take place as they enter the final six months of their contracts.
B team prospects Liam McFarlane, Ethan Drysdale and Makenzie Kirk are also reported to be ones Hearts want to tie down as they regard the trio as future prospects.
Hearts are making moves to get players signed up on new deals before Christmas if possible as they look to gain an early indication of who is likely to accept new terms as part of their forward planning before the January transfer window opens for business.
The Jambos had won four Scottish Premiership matches on the trot but have suffered losses in the last two against Rangers and Aberdeen. They currently sit sixth in the table just two points behind St Mirren in third, and have played one game less.
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