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.
