Hearts are facing competition to bring back Alex Cochrane to the club, according to a report.
Robbie Neilson is keen to land the Brighton defender once again after an impressive loan stint at the club last term.
He played a major role in Hearts finishing third in the Premiership standings behind Celtic and Rangers and also reaching the Scottish Cup Final.
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The rewards for a fine domestic campaign is guaranteed European group stage football and a return to the capital would be welcomed by Neilson and the Jambos support.
But Football Scotland report a host of English Championship clubs are chasing the signature of the Seagulls ace - who had his contract extended by one-year.
Coventry City are the latest team to show interest but it is claimed QPR and former Rangers coach Michael Beale are ahead of their league rivals in the transfer chase.
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Hearts are still in the running to land him for a second stint with the lure of European football a very attractive proposition for the 22-year-old.
Cochrane featured 40 times last season in all competitions netting three goals and providing four assists.
Neilson has expressed his desire to strengthen his pool and up his squad numbers.
Kye Rowles, Lewis Neilson and Alan Forrest have all arrived in Gorgie so far this summer.
