Maccabi Haifa could be set to throw a spanner in the works for Steven Naismith as he looks to keep hold of star forward Josh Ginnelly at Hearts, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
The Jambo is out of contract this summer and has been offered a new deal by the Tynecastle side, but reports in Israel claim the 26-year-old has been offered to the title winners.
Maccabi are on the lookout for a replacement for Omer Atzili who looks set to join Al-Ain of Saudia Arabia in a big money move. Haifa are also hopeful the prospect of playing in the Champions League next season; a prospect that could tempt Ginnelly to the club.
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They enter in the first qualifying round and SunSport added that Ginnelly has asked Hearts for time while he mulls over his future.
After taking over on a permanent basis, Naismith is keen to retain the Englishman who scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions last season in what was his best season in Gorgie.
Speaking after the last game of the season against Hibs, the player stressed he was keen to stay. He said: “We’re still going through everything, it takes time, it’s not just a piece of paper.
"There’s so many little differences that need to get changed on my side or that the club wants to change. So it’s just negotiating, but it’s closer than it was.
“Look, my heart is here, I enjoy it here, I enjoy the boys, I have a great relationship with everyone. Since the first day I came here I have been shown the best of love. My heart is here.
“But I also have to make sure it’s right for me because it will be another two or three years away from my family unless I can get them up here.”
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