PETER HARING could hand Hearts a massive boost ahead of Sunday’s Edinburgh derby by signing a new long-term contract.
Barring any unforeseen delays, the Tynecastle outfit are hopeful that the Austrian ace will put pen to paper in the next 24 hours.
Talks continued with Haring on Thursday as the formalities were ironed out, but all parties are confident that an agreement is imminent.
The 25-year-old will not feature against Hibs on Sunday due to a pelvis injury nevertheless, his decision to extend his stay in Edinburgh will be a welcome fillip for Hearts.
Haring joined the Jambos from SV Ried on an initial contract to 2020 last summer and swiftly became one of the club’s star men during a blistering start to the campaign.
His progress was interrupted by a persistent double hernia issue which ultimately required surgery in January, resulting in a two-month layoff. However, he remains a pivotal part of Craig Levein’s plans.
Talks are also ongoing with on-loan forward Steven Naismith as Hearts seek to snap up the Scotland striker on a permanent deal when his contract with Norwich expires this summer.
While satisfied with the progress being made, Hearts sources confirmed that no announcement is imminent.
Meanwhile, the Jambos have tied up promising youngster Alex Petkov on a new one-year deal.
The Bulgarian defender, 19, has made one first-team appearance for Hearts in a Betfred Cup clash against East Fife in July 2017, while he has been a regular with Andy Kirk’s reserve side this term.
Petkov also enjoyed a loan stint with Berwick Rangers last season.
Fellow Tynecastle youngster Dino Leddie has left Hearts to join Swedish side Ytterhogal.
