Hearts linked with Glenavon defender Bobby Burns

Bobby Burns (right) in action for Northern Ireland U18s against Manchester United U18s in the 2017 NI Super Cup. Picture: Getty Images

Hearts have been linked with a move for Glenavon defender Bobby Burns.

The 18-year-old, whose performances for the NIFL Premiership outfit earned him a call-up and debut for the Northern Ireland Under-21 side against Iceland last month, has spent time training with Michael O’Neill’s senior squad, and is highly regarded by coaches and players alike - including Hearts assistant and O’Neill’s right hand man Austin MacPhee.

Burns has operated at left back, in midfield and up front for the Mourneview Park side this season and a number of scouts have cast an eye over the versatile youngster, who scored for the Lurgan outfit in a 3-2 loss to Linfield on Tuesday night, taking his tally for the season to five goals in 33 matches.

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Reports in Northern Ireland suggest Hearts are keen to take Burns to Scotland and, according to the Belfast Telegraph, are on the verge of making a move for the teenager.

Burns is understood to be keen on making the step up to full-time football and can call on Glenavon team-mates Jonny Tuffey and Sammy Clingan for advice; the pair having spent time in the Scottish top flight with St Johnstone and Kilmarnock respectively.

Hearts owner Ann Budge, and manager Craig Levein, have both hinted that the club could look to bring in between seven and ten players in the summer.

A left back will no doubt be high up on Levein’s shopping list, the Hearts boss having played eight different players in the position over the course of this campaign, and Burns could fit the bill for the Jambos.