Hamilton have been joined by two Championship clubs and a Premiership outfit in the race for Mihai Popsecu.
Hearts announced last week that the central defender would be leaving Tynecastle once his contract expires this summer.
He enjoyed a strong season in the second tier on loan at Stuart Taylor's Accies, making himself an ever-present and captaining the team on occasion.
The New Douglas Park head coach has already stated his desire to sign Popescu permanently but there is competition for his signature.
Lanarkshire Live Sport understands that a duo of Championship clubs have registered their interest in signing him on a free transfer.
But the lure of the Premiership is there too and the 29-year-old could remain there once he fully departs Hearts.
Staying in South Lanarkshire hasn't been ruled out either and the centre-back is open to staying at Hamilton, although he will consider all of his options.
Popescu first arrived in Scottish football with St Mirren in 2019 and returned a year later at the Jambos. He's since made 24 Hearts appearances and 33 Accies outings.
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