Hearts manager Craig Levein has insisted that the summer signing of Livingston captain Craig Halkett has nothing to do with John Souttar’s future at Tynecastle – despite the Hearts star being linked with a move to Rangers.
According to the Daily Record, the Gers are keen on bringing the Scotland international across the M8 but Levein is confident that Souttar is happy where he is.
The Jambos have already confirmed that ex-Ger Halkett will join them over the summer but the Hearts boss is adamant that he’s not being viewed in “any way” as a replacement for Souttar.
“Craig Halkett has not been signed in any way as a replacement for John Souttar,” Levein told the Evening News.
“I hope John’s still with us for another couple of years. There’s nothing really to say about John other than we’re in a good position and John’s in a good position.
“He’s happy where he is, playing good football and improving all the time, and that was the reason he extended his contract. He feels there’s a little bit to go here, and so do I.”
23-year-old Halkett has been a revelation for Livingston since joining the West Lothian side from Rangers.
Since moving to the Tony Macaroni Arena, he’s helped Livi to back-to-back promotions and should be a solid signing for Hearts.
With Christophe Berra not getting any younger, there’s more chance of Halkett replacing him in the long-term than Souttar.