Kyle Lafferty: Rangers return from Hearts 'not inevitable' - Craig Levein
- Published
Kyle Lafferty scored Hearts' winner against Celtic on Sunday
Hearts manager Craig Levein says Kyle Lafferty's return to Rangers is "not inevitable" despite confirming that talks between the clubs are continuing.
The Edinburgh club rejected an initial £200,000 offer for the striker from their Scottish Premiership rivals three weeks ago.
"We're still speaking to Rangers about the situation," Levein said. "I don't want to go into any details."
The 30-year-old is believed to be keen on a return to Ibrox.
The Northern Ireland international continued to show his big-game scoring prowess for Hearts, scoring the only goal in Sunday's Scottish Premiership win over reigning champions Celtic.
"He seems happy enough," Levein said. "I've not had any problems with him.
"He certainly looked to be smiling on Saturday anyway, that's for sure.
"We're in discussions all the time. Obviously the situation is not of our making and we'll see what happens.
"There's no point in me going over any details. Things are ongoing."
Rangers have this week rejected a £3.75m offer from Bordeaux for striker Alfredo Morelos, while Hearts are seeking cover for Christophe Berra after the Scotland centre-half was ruled out for six months through injury.
Lafferty, who has 67 caps for his country, had a four-year spell with Rangers before leaving Ibrox for Swiss club Sion in 2012.
He joined Hearts in 2017 after leaving Norwich City and scored 19 goals in 42 appearances last season.
His goal against Celtic was his first in six outings during the current campaign and took the Edinburgh side to the top of the Premiership after two games.
Following that match, Lafferty admitted it was "nice" to hear that clubs like Rangers were interested in him but said it was up to the two clubs to decide his destiny.
Analysis - Former Rangers manager Stuart McCall
"Lafferty's somebody who's been there and seen it and a bit more mature now I would think.
"We saw his goal against Celtic at the weekend - a fantastic finish - and he's got goals in his locker.
"Morelos has been linked to go out, but I hope it's not the case that one is out and one is in and I don't think it will be.
"If Lafferty comes on board, it will be another strong signing for Rangers."