Hearts have been handed a huge a boost after the SPFL ruled that Lewis Neilson's move to Tynecastle from Dundee United over the summer won't result in the Tangerines receiving any compensation for the deal.
Neilson moved to the capital back in June after being with Dundee United since the age of 10. Having featured in 19 first-team games for the Tangerines, alongside 10 games for Falkirk on loan, the move was highly heralded by Hearts fans as they picked up one of Scottish football's best young talents on a free transfer.
However, United were adamant that they deserved a compensation fee for his services having nurtured Neilson for nine years - bring the SPFL to the table over the dispute. Chiefs at Tannadice were convinced they had offered a deal to Neilson which would have made them eligible for a fee, though Hearts claimed the opposite, resulting in a tribunal.
However, according to Football Scotland, Hearts have won the battle which will leave them on cloud nine after securing a huge talent for nothing. It marks yet another tumultuous setback for Liam Fox's men, who having been knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup on Tuesday, also remain joint-bottom of the league - level on points with Ross County.
Neilson has featured in each of Hearts' last seven Scottish Premiership games due to the shortage of centre-backs that boss Robbie Neilson has to work with. In that time, the Jambos have won just twice - falling to defeats against Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and Livingston.
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