Ryan Stevenson reckons joining Hearts over Aberdeen is a no brainer for Connor Ronan.
The Wolves midfielder had a stunning campaign at St Mirren and is wanted at Pittodrie by Jim Goodwin, the man who took him to Paisley last summer.
He looks set to depart the English Premier League side with a host of clubs fighting it out to land his signature.
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But ex-Jambo Stevenson reckons there is no debate that Hearts are the third force in Scottish football and if they come into the mix, it has to be a move to Robbie Neilson's men.
The capital club finished behind Celtic and Rangers at the top of the Premiership and have secured European group stage football for the new campaign.
Stevenson says they are a much bigger and attractive option right now for Ronan.
Writing in his Daily Record column, he said: "Talk about entering the race for Connor Ronan is an interesting one. The Wolves lad was outstanding in the second half of the season and Jambos fans will remember his unbelievable goal for St Mirren at Tynecastle.
"Aberdeen were seen as the favourites to land him with Jim Goodwin – who signed him for Saints – up at Pittodrie now.
"But if Hearts come in to the mix? If it comes down to the two clubs vying for his services, it’s a no brainer for me.
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"It’s got to be Hearts.
"There’s always a debate about the third force in Scotland and these two sets of supporters will argue until the cows come home.
"There’s no debate for me. One thinks they are the third force – the other actually are the third force.
"Hearts are the bigger club – and the more attractive option right now.
"Who knows how it will go at Aberdeen. They require a heck of a lot of work just to get back in the fight for Europe next season.
"Hearts claimed third spot by a mile last term and they will be thinking about narrowing the gap to the Old Firm rather than looking over their shoulders to the rest.
"The finances on offer are not going to be too different at either club so if it was me and both clubs were on the table I know where I would be going – and it wouldn’t be up the A90.
"Ronan is a cracking wee player and he would be a welcome addition for the Jambos. If they can get him nailed down soon it will be another terrific bit of early business at Tynecastle.
"Most folk might be on the beach but my old club are already making waves for next season."
