Hearts' Jordan McGhee set for Middlesbrough loan move

Jordan McGhee had come close to joining Middlesbrough in January

A deal has been agreed between both clubs, which also gives the English Premier League newcomers first option to sign McGhee next summer.

The 19-year-old defender will travel to Teesside tomorrow to complete his move. He is to join Middlesbrough’s under-21 squad for the new season and will then attempt to break into Aitor Karanka’s senior side.

Frustrated at not commanding a regular starting place with Hearts, McGhee had agreed a loan deal with Middlesbrough in January this year. He was packed and ready to head south on transfer deadline day but paperwork wasn’t completed on time and the move collapsed at the last minute.

It has been resurrected over the last few days and the player now has the opportunity to further his career with a newly-promoted club in England’s top flight. He will spend the full season on loan at the Riverside Stadium and Middlesbrough will then have the option to sign him permanently when the campaign ends.

McGhee, a Scotland Under-21 internationalist, only has one year remaining on his current Hearts contract. The Edinburgh club could be due a development fee if he leaves since he is a graduate of the Riccarton youth academy.

Meanwhile, Hearts will hold contract talks with Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Noring after watching him play 90 minutes in Saturday’s friendly against Cowdenbeath.

Noring has been on trial at Riccarton for the last two weeks and impressed head coach Robbie Neilson in the 1-1 draw at Central Park. Both parties will now discuss terms to determine whether Noring can stay and compete with first-choice keeper Jack Hamilton.