Lawrence Shankland is nearing a move back to Scotland less than a year after making a £1million move to Belgium side Beerschot from Dundee United.
Things haven't turned out to plan on the continent for Shankland as he suffered relegation last season.
And now the Belgian side have asked Hearts for £500k to allow him to move back to his homeland.
Talks are continuing between the Jambos and Beerschot with Edinburgh Evening News reporting that a lower initial payment could be accepted.
Then the rest would then be made up in performance-related bonuses if Shankland hits the ground running in Gorgie.
And after Neilson brought Shankland to Tannadice during his time in charge at Dundee United, he will be desperate to get a reunion secured before Hearts’ Premiership season kicks off at home to Ross County on July 30.
The forward scored 28 goals in 33 games on Tayside during the 2019/20 campaign before Neilson returned to Hearts in 2020.
Hearts have already signed Alan Forrest, Kye Rowles and Lewis Neilson so far this summer.
The Tynecastle hierarchy want a bigger squad for the campaign ahead with Europa League football ensured after a third placed league finish last season.
