Hearts will have to go in with an improved bid for Sammy Silvera after their first move was knocked back by Central Coast Mariners.
The Jambos made an opening six-figure offer for the winger but it has been turned down by the Gold Coast outfit. The A-League star also has big interest from Asia and the English Championship. The Mariners have rejected a number of offers for their prize asset because they have failed to meet their asking price. Australian sources claim they expect to sell Silvera in this window and Hearts remain at the table looking to see if a deal can be done.
The club already has a decent relationship with Central Coast as they signed Australian World Cup star Kye Rowles from there last season. Socceroos team-mate Garang Kuol also played for Hearts last season. He left Central Coast Mariners for Newcastle United and was then sent on loan to Tynecastle.
That added to Hearts’ Australian contingent that not only included Rowles but Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson. Now Hearts director of football Joe Savage is working on a deal for Silvera.
The 22-year-old, who was born in London, helped the Mariners to their recent A-League Grand Final Glory. Silvera chipped in with eight goals and five assists and would add more attacking intent to Stevie Naismith’s squad.
He has also previously had European experience with Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal and has had spells at Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Silvera is keen to break into the Australian national team, having played at under-23 level, and reckons a move overseas would strengthen his case. Hearts also know they need to strengthen with uncertainty over Josh Ginnelly’s future. He’s still to sign a new deal and has been linked with several clubs over the summer.
Silvera is very much the top choice for Hearts although they are also keeping close tabs on Japanese winger Kanji Okunuki. The 23-year-old would cost around £400,000 to get him out of Omiya Ardija. Hearts have still to make an offer and the Japanese market is one that continues to appeal for the Jambos.
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