Hearts have opened talks to sign Dundee United starlet Lewis Neilson.
The 19-year-old is out of contract at Tannadice and while Tam Courts' men have discussed an extension, nothing has been agreed with several clubs in Scotland and England circling.
The Edinburgh Evening News report that Robbie Neilson and Co feel they could develop the defender into a first-team regular and are keen to snap him up for the new season.
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A number of clubs south of the border are aware of his contract status.
United - who will be playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers next season - have not given up hope of retaining the teenager.
But he is now considering his options with regular first-team football reportedly high on his agenda.
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He can play at right-back or centre-back and would provide versatility for Hearts.
He featured ten times for United last season in all competitions.
Neilson has already added Alan Forrest from Livingston and is closing in on Kye Rowles.
Hearts are guaranteed European group stage football next season with the capital boss determined to beef up his squad depth as they challenge on numerous fronts.
