Liam Boyce is reportedly on his way out of Hearts as the striker nears a return to Northern Ireland with Derry City.
Hearts continue to reshape their squad for the rest of the campaign having already signed two players in Elton Kabangu on loan and Jamie McCart permanently.
Neil Critchley hinted at more incomings and outgoings on Wednesday by saying he’d be surprised if his squad remained as it is now come the end of January.
Andres Salazar returned to Atletico Nacional at the start of the window, while Kye Rowles is set for a £600k switch to DC United, which Not The Old Firm told you exclusively.
Boyce set for Hearts to Derry City move
Now, according to the Daily Record, the Jambos are set to sell Liam Boyce with his departure expected in the coming days.
The report states that talks are currently taking place and the move could be finalised in time for Derry City’s pre-season commencing on Monday.
Boyce’s contract at Hearts runs out at the end of the season and it appears the Tynecastle outfit are ready to cash in on the 33-year-old.
He is one of the club’s highest earners and it means boss Neil Critchley has more wriggle room with regards to funds and wages to continue his squad reconstruction.
Boyce finding it ‘really tough’ at Hearts
Boyce has struggled with injuries and game time in recent seasons at Tynecastle and told the press as recently as last week that this campaign in particular has been tough.
He said: “I just want to play football. I train, try and stay ready. It’s difficult, I think I should be playing. Every player does. It’s not my decision. All I can do is stay ready and, when I get a chance, I need to take it.
“It’s been really tough. I want to help my team-mates. When you don’t get the chance to, it is hard to take. It is sort of different when you have been injured a long time you can’t play.
“When you are fit and have missed that amount of time and you feel like you can play and help, then you don’t get the chance, it’s hard to take.