Hearts look set to win the race to bring Alex Cochrane back to Tynecastle, according to a report.
The Brighton defender - who spent last season on loan in the capital - was a key player for Robbie Neilson as the Jambos finished third in the Scottish Premiership behind Celtic and Rangers, reached the Scottish Cup Final and with that secured guaranteed European group stage football for the upcoming campaign.
The 22-year-old played 40 times in all competitions for Hearts last term finding the net three times and providing four assists. Football Scotland claim Cochrane is in talks with a view to returning to the capital on a permanent basis with the Gorgie outfit paying a fee to land their man. It's reported that he is also interesting English Championship clubs with ex-Rangers coach Michael Beale, now the main man at QPR, keen alongside Coventry and Reading.
Cochrane operated for most of the campaign at left-back but he can also play higher up in a wing back position or in the midfield area.
Neilson has already been busy in the transfer market as he continues to strengthen his Hearts squad ahead of the new campaign.
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Alan Forrest, Kye Rowles and Lewis Neilson have already penned deals while a fee has been agreed with Jorge Grant. A decision now rests with the midfielder over a move.
Lawrence Shankland is another name in the frame to join Hearts from Belgian side Beerschot with Neilson keen on a reunion with his former Dundee United striker.
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