Hackett set for Hearts

Oxford United wide man Chris Hackett looks to be heading for Hearts to be reunited with Graham Rix.

The Hearts chief remains a firm admirer of the midfielder's talents from his own spell at the helm at Oxford and the SPL outfit have now confirmed the move could soon be sealed.

"Chris is a target and he'll be joining us in Edinburgh tomorrow to continue discussions,'' read a statement on the club's official website. 

''All things being equal we are hopeful that we can conclude discussions in the next 48 hours." 

Hackett will undergo a medical and discuss personal terms on Wednesday, with a £20,000 deal expected to be tied up in the not too distant future.

Also believed to be a potential target for Hearts is former Everton midfielder Idal Tan, despite the fact he has recently verbally agreed a four-year deal at Maccabi Haifa.

The fact that Tal is out of contract in the summer is likely to attract Rix, although should they wish to pursue a deal sooner then a fee in the region of £200,000 would be sought.

Meanwhile, Tynecastle favourite Robbie Neilson is to be rewarded for his excellent recent form by being handed a new contract.

''I really appreciate the job Robbie has done for us,'' said Rix.

''He's a terrific pro, a real Hearts man, so we'll get the final few details sorted.''

Whilst Neilson is ready to commit his long-term future to Hearts, Neil Macfarlane and Stephen Simmons have both been informed they can leave, with the former attracting interest from Aberdeen.