Hearts are one of several clubs believed to be keeping tabs on Paddy Lane of English League One side Fleetwood Town.
The third tier side, now managed by Celtic legend and former Hibs midfielder Scott Brown, are desperate to keep hold of the 21-year-old who won their division's Player of the Year award. He has 12 months to run on his contract and made his Northern Ireland debut earlier this year. His form hasn't gone unnoticed and Premier League side West Ham United are believed to have scouted him.
Cardiff City of the Championship are also believed to be keen and the Mirror report Hearts manager Robbie Neilson is also monitoring the situation. Lane netted five goals and provided eight assists across 37 appearances for the Cod Army in a brilliant season personally, with his current club valuing him at around £1 million, despite his contract time beginning to run thin.
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READ MORE: Hearts boss Robbie Neilson eyes five more summer transfers as he pinpoints key positions
A winger, Neilson has already added in that department with Alan Forrest from Livingston while attacking midfielder Jorge Grant has arrived from Peterborough United.
Lewis Neilson and Kye Rowles have joined to bolster Hearts' defence ahead of a season which will include group stage European football alongside their Premiership endeavours.
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