HEARTS manager Robbie Neilson is keen to plunder the Australian market for a third time after identifying Kye Rowles as a summer transfer target.
Following the success of bringing Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson from Down Under, Neilson is now interested in signing the Central Coast Mariners centre-half.
It is understood that talks between the Australian club and player have taken place behind the scenes but that no official unveiling is imminent.
The 23-year-old, who is uncapped but has been included in Australia’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against the United Arab Emirates, still has another year to run on his contract with the Mariners.
Hearts boss Neilson is keen to bolster his defensive options with John Souttar having agreed a pre-contract with Rangers.
Loan players Alex Cochrane and Taylor Moore will also return to Brighton and Bristol City respectively.
After graduating from the Australian Centre of Excellence, Rowles joined Brisbane Roar in 2016 before moving to Central Coast a year later.
Rowles has played over 100 games in Australian football.
The Australian market has proved a productive one for Hearts with both Devlin, who joined from Newcastle Jets last summer, and Atkinson - a January arrival from Melbourne City, adapting well to the Scottish game.
