Hearts are leading the chase to land Livingston skipper Nicky Devlin in the summer.
The 29-year-old right back is available under freedom of contract and Record Sport understands he is high up the Jambos’ list of targets. But the Tynecastle side face serious competition from England where Ipswich Town, Reading, Wigan and Coventry City are all keen on tempting the former Walsall right back south of the border.
Dundee United, Hibs and Aberdeen are also understood to be monitoring the 29-year-old’s situation. But Hearts are at the front of the queue and have been long term admirers of Devlin. Robbie Neilson’s sacking last week hasn’t stopped Hearts planning for the summer window and with veteran right Michael Smith’s contract set to expire Devlin would be a straight replacement to vie with Nat Atkinson for the right back berth. Devlin is in his fourth season with Livi and has made 142 appearances for the West Lothian club.
