Heart of Midlothian

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Hearts' players have been "an absolute joy" during their pre-season camp in Spain and have "knocked their pan in", says new manager Derek McInnes.

The Tynecastle side comfortably beat English League Two side Crawley Town on Friday, with a performance that impressed their boss.

"The game itself was very competitive, with plenty of full-throttle tackles and challenges, and I think that we stood up to that," he said.

"I actually thought there was a wee bit more indication about the team that we want to be in terms of being a bit more natural to play, look forward a bit quicker, look into wide players quicker, look into strikers quicker.

"I think we've had a look at the lads, they've had a look at us and what we're looking at, what we're demanding from them. I think we're getting there."

Russian club Krylia Sovetov are plotting to hijack Heart of Midlothian's signing of Islam Chesnokov, despite the Kazakhstan winger having already signed a pre-contract agreement with the Edinburgh club, as a transfer fee has not been agreed to secure the 25-year-old's services before his Tobol contract ends in October. (Daily Record), external

A £2m transfer fee has been agreed with AEK Athens for Hearts left-back James Penrice, with the 26-year-old having completed his medical after travelling to the Netherlands on Friday. (Sky Sports), external

James Penrice left Hearts' pre-season training camp in Spain on Friday as the 26-year-old left-back looks to complete a transfer to AEK Athens for a seven-figure fee plus a sell-on clause. (Hearts Standard), external

Pierre Landry Kabore, currently with Estonian club Narva Trans, and Sabah Kerjota, of Serie C club Sambenedettese, will compete for a starting place on Hearts' right flank should they arrive in Edinburgh as expected next week, with negotiations having progressed smoothly. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hearts have agreed terms with Pierre Landry Kabore, but a transfer fee is still to be agreed with Narva Trans for the Burkina Faso winger while talks are also progressing with Italian fourth-tier outfit Sambendetese for Albanian wide man Sabah Kerjota. (Daily Record), external

Hearts hope to bring in two or three new players before the Premiership season starts as they prepare for life after the sale of left-back James Penrice to AEK Athens. (The Scotsman), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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We asked for your views after Lawrence Shankland - eventually - committed his future to Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

William: It's been a long drawn out saga, but it's a happy ending in my book. Lawrence has been fantastic for the club with so many goals and assists. I think he has made the right decision by staying at Hearts.

Now, all I want is that the fans to support him like we have in the past, time for us to move on.

Alan: Excellent news and just what I wanted to hear. Shankland is a proven goal scorer and with the new signings provides good options up front. He had a poor season by his standard and despite being messed around by very poor managers and tactics, he gave his all for Hearts.

He is a Hearts-type of player, professional, great role model, committed and knows where the net is. Superb business and news for everyone.

Jerry: His chances of getting back into the Scotland squad hinge on getting game time, he wouldn't have got that warming the bench at Rangers or West Brom. At Hearts he'll play a lot and score a lot, it's a win-win. There could possibly be a bit of backlash from fans but that will disappear once he starts banging goals in.

Peter: Good move, both from a playing perspective as they have retained a player that the manager was desperate to keep and hopefully will get the best from him, and also makes from a financial sense. Inas much as they have upped his wages, but it also means they have not had to pay out a large transfer fee plus associated wages to get someone in.

Alan: Delighted Lawrence is staying after all the speculation. He would be a great addition to any team in the Premiership and with our squad, now I'm confident we will be up there competing for a top three spot again.

Derek: The saga dragging on wasn't good to watch as a fan, but I understand he needed to be sure before committing, and the club needed to get the best deal for them. Shankland signing is a good thing for both, if he's got his head screwed on and scoring goals again.

Not sure if it was his agent, or the media, turning his head before, or if he wasn't happy under previous managers - but that's in the past.

Let's see him score 25 plus goals again this season, and kick on back up the league.

Jamie: No player is bigger than the club, he has only stayed because no one wanted him. After he turned down the last offer Hearts should have said goodbye to him.

This has just been pure greed, bigger and better players have left and we still survived.

He shouldn't be captain either, give it to a player who wants to be there and play for the jersey he has a cheek to say it was an easy decision to stay. There are better players there on less wages and bonuses. Pretty embarrassing to be honest.

Garry: It's got to be the best signing so far regardless of what some people say. If he wasn't previously a Hearts player and was available on a free transfer I'm pretty certain Hearts would have been trying their best to sign him. Delighted he's chosen the right move.

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Hearts rounded-off their pre-season training camp in Spain with a comfortable victory over English League Two side Crawley Town.

Derek McInnes' side were in front inside the opening five minutes as Crawley goalkeeper Harvey Davies knocked the ball into his own net.

Alan Forrest doubled the Jambos' advantage with a volley, but their lead was halved when Louis Flower slipped the ball beneath Ryan Fulton.

McInnes sent out a whole new side for the second half, and with 20 minutes to go, they restored their two-goal lead - James Wilson tapping in from the back post.

Lawrence Shankland came on for the uneventful final 20 minutes after joining up with the squad for their final few days.

Heart of Midlothian were reluctant to sell James Penrice but have accepted a near £2m bid from AEK Athens for the 26-year-old left-back, who has been given permission to open talks and have a medical with the Greek club. (Daily Record), external

Serie C club Sambenedettese's sporting director, Stefano De Angelis, has confirmed that a deal is close to sell 23-year-old Albanian winger Sabah Kerjota to Hearts. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hearts have opened talks with Estonian club Narva Trans as they bid to sign £250,000-rated 23-year-old Pierre Landry Kabore, who can play left wing or as a central striker. (Daily Record), external

Hearts are on the verge of finalising the signing of Scotland Under-19 forward Tommy North from Livingston. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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Lawrence Shankland says "honesty" with head coach Derek McInnes was "the most important thing" as he weighed up his options over the summer before making the "easy decision" to resign for Hearts.

The Scotland striker ended months of speculation by signing a three-year deal with the Tynecastle club and he says he's "happy with the decision".

"We were just talking throughout, keeping in contact and being honest with each other," Shankland told media. "I think that's the most important thing.

"As long as I was honest in my situation I think both sides were happy to see how things went.

"I was always keen to keep that door open for myself and it was important for me that the manager was happy to do that for me as well.

"Because of the situation I was in, when he came in the door, the contract was coming to an end and he understood where I was at as well.

"That was important and the honesty between us worked out in the end.

"When it came to making the decision, it was an easy one to get my head around."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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So, after 18 months of 'will he or will he not' sign a new deal, Lawrence Shankland has - finally - agreed to remain at Hearts.

And it's the news every Hearts fan was looking for. Their talisman striker and captain is back to lead the line for the new campaign.

By his own high standards, last season was a major disappointment for the 29-year-old. Only nine goals in total for the season, but five of those came very late on.

The constant media questioning on whether he would leave the club must have been lingering on his mind and had an impact on his form.

In the close-season, however, Shankland has had time to think.

In between getting married and a short holiday, it became evident his family made it clear they wanted to remain in Scotland with Tynecastle by far the preferred choice.

In those 18 months, he has played under three different managers with Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley both shown the door with Liam Fox, who has also left the club, standing in as interim head coach in these periods.

It cannot be overstated the influence Derek McInnes has had in making this deal happen.

From the minute he stepped in the door at Tynecastle, re-signing Shankland was the top priority for the new manager.

When Shankland is on form there are few, if any, better strikers in Scotland and this news, along with the Tony Bloom deal being concluded last week is an indication that Hearts mean business.

And the Hearts fans will once again turn out at Tynecastle, probably now with more expectation than hope, that the new season will be a successful one.

At long last, the speculation is over, Lawrence Shankland is staying at Hearts.

The Scotland striker has penned a three-year deal with the Jambos having met up with Derek McInnes' side out in Spain yesterday.

It's been the saga of the summer, but the end has been written.

Are you happy with it, or has damage been done?

Let us know your views on the news here.

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Beni Baningime's deflected goal cancelled out Evan Mooney's early strike as Hearts and St Mirren drew in a pre-season friendly out in Spain.

Both sides were heavily-rotated in the "incredible heat", with Buddies boss Stephen Robinson adding it was "a good workout against a very strong Hearts side".

Mooney, 17, opened the scoring 13 minutes into the affair, finishing off the move he started with a slammed finish by Zander Clark.

Baningime lost possession for the Buddies goal, but the Hearts midfielder made up for his mistake when he let fly from distance.

A wicked deflection off Alex Iacovitti wrong-footed new signing Ryan Mullen in goal, leaving him with no chance.

St Mirren's Conor McMenamin thought he had the winner when the ball was in the back of the net, but the offside flag denied him.

Hearts are moving forward with alternative signing targets after reaching an impasse in contract talks with Scotland forward Lawrence Shankland, 29. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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We asked for your views on the news of Ann Budge stepping down as Hearts chair.

Here's what some of you said:

Barry: Budge should be held in the highest esteem by every loyal Hearts supporter, as without her intervention we wouldn't have a club to support. I sincerely hope that the board will announce an appropriate recognition of Ann's invaluable contribution to the long-term future of our club, for which we supporters will be forever grateful.

Calum: Despite some lows, she's done some great work for the club in 12 years and has now pushed the Tony Bloom's investment through, which will help us so much in building for the future. Perfect high for her to leave on.

Iain: We won nothing while Budge was in charge. That's the bottom line. She appointed multiple unsuccessful managers who were frequently sacked due to a variety of failings that should have been obvious. Relegated more than once. Last season was a debacle, and she's turned a profit on her own money while at the club. Won't be missed by many.

David: The timing of this announcement is really good. As we move into a new era for the club, we need fresh blood and new enthusiasm. It can't be overstated how important the role Budge has played in securing our future and just as importantly - the values and behaviours she has instilled in the club. Good luck Ann and thank you for everything you've done for Hearts.

Jim: Great for our club, between her and the Foundation of Hearts there wouldn't be a club. They should name one of the stands after her, a legend who only made one mistake but we can't get it right all the time. Well done, Ann.

Ryan: Absolutely phenomenal person, chairperson and Hearts legend. Up there with the greats. No matter what anyone may say, this woman saved Hearts and without her we would no longer have a club. Thank you, Ann.

Iain: Ann you have over the years displayed a courage and conviction to not only save the club but to provide us with a stadium that is the envy of all. The facilities here are fabulous. Thanks for all you have done.

Fiona: We can't thank Budge enough for what she has done at Hearts, our very existence is all down to Ann, she is the reason the Foundation of Hearts is in existence. Thank you so much, Ann.

Alan: The club should rename the main stand as 'The Ann Budge Stand'. This gesture would leave a lasting legacy to the woman, without whom, the club would not be in existence.

Keith: Every single Hearts fan should be thankful for what Ann has done for Hearts. She was the one that stepped up and put the money in when Hearts were in the abyss. She will be remembered as a legend and the saviour of Hearts. Thank you, Ann.

JD: In a sea full of sharks, Ann captained the good ship Hearts through stormy seas and into a safe harbour. We are forever grateful and forever blessed with her steadfastness and integrity.

Sandy: Queen Ann has been simply wonderful for Hearts. I am just sad she wasn't in post when we won anything of note. The new main stand should be named after her - it's the right thing to do!

Raith Rovers are giving a trial to 19-year-old defender Ethan Drysdale, who has been freed by Hearts. (The Courier), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.

The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.

Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.

Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.

Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie

Celtic: Greg Taylor

Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy

Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi

Falkirk: N/A

Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland

Hibernian: Maksymilian Boruc, Junior Hoilett

Kilmarnock: Kyle Magennis, Kieran O'Hara, Kyle Vassell

Livingston: N/A

Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski

Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi

St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Eleven years since taking over the reigns at Tynecastle, it has been announced that Ann Budge will step down as Hearts chair in December.

The 77-year-old Edinburgh-born entrepreneur was successful in buying the majority shareholding from administrators in 2014 after Hearts suffered huge debts left behind by former owner Vladimir Romanov.

Along with the Foundation of Hearts, Budge brought financial stability to the club.

And, although relegation came in season 2019-20, when the campaign was cut short due to the Covid pandemic, fans continued to back Hearts at Tynecastle.

Off the pitch, Hearts now boast a hotel within the grounds of the stadium, with Budge being a major influence in attracting wealthy philanthropists to invest in the club.

Most recently, she played a pivotal role in securing the near £10m investment in Hearts from Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who in return received a 29% shareholding in the Tynecastle club.

Foundation of Hearts chairman Gerry Mallon says Budge will forever be remembered for her role, along with the fans group, in "saving the club from the abyss".

Hearts fans, how do you feel about this news? And how will you remember Budge's time at the club? Send us your thoughts.

Lawrence Shankland has interest from clubs in England and Saudi Arabia, but Hearts retain a line of communication with the out-of-contract Scotland striker while determined not to increase their offer, which would make the 29-year-old their highest-paid player. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes says Stuart Findlay, who was on loan with him at Kilmarnock, gives him multiple qualities in one defender following the 29-year-old's season-long switch from Oxford United. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Another day, another - kinda - update on the Lawrence Shankland story...

As we all know by now, Derek McInnes' squad have headed out to Spain for a warm-weather training camp and the Scotland striker is not with them.

However, according to Hearts Standard editor Joel Sked, the offer of a contract from the Tynecastle club is still there and his future remains "in the balance".

"It seems like it's business as usual, the contract is on the table for Lawrence Shankland - a contract which would still make him the highest paid player at the club," Sked told BBC Sportsound.

"I have no problem with him holding out to see if there are options.

"I think it's still in the balance, but at the very end stage where, one way or another, something has to be done."

Hearts kick off their season on 12 July against Dunfermline in the League Cup group stage, so it's safe to say time is ticking.

"Hearts will need someone to replace him if he doesn't stay," Sked added.

"I get why they're trying to wait as long as possible because I think trying to replace Shankland will be very, very difficult.

"I don't think it will be much more of a saga, I think we're coming to the end of it, which is needed for all parties."

Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland looks set to leave Hearts after protracted talks over a new contract broke down. (Daily Mail), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Hearts midfielder Macaulay Tait has returned to Livingston for a second loan spell after helping the West Lothian side to promotion last season.

The 19-year-old signed for Livingston in January and played 23 times as they reclaimed their top-flight status via the play-offs.

He will link up with David Martindale's side again in the Scottish Premiership on a season-long deal during which Hearts say he will "continue his development".