Bristol Rovers hold positive talks with Hearts signing target Sam Nicholson

Sam Nicholson is wanted in Scotland and England.

Bristol Rovers have held positive talks with Sam Nicholson as they accelerate their pursuit of the former Hearts winger.

The Edinburgh club are also interested in bringing him back to Tynecastle Park, but Rovers have made a strong push in the last 48 hours.

Nicholson finalised his exit from America over the weekend after agreeing to terminate his contract at Colorado Rapids by mutual consent.

Now a free agent, he has spoken to both Bristol Rovers and Hearts and so far the offer from the English League One club is the better of the two.

The 25-year-old will not make a quick decision on his future but is keen to secure a contract for next season given the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

He ended a three-year spell in Major League Soccer with the intention of returning to British football. Although interested in playing for Hearts again, he is also intrigued by the chance to continue his career in England.

A graduate of the Hearts youth academy, Nicholson played in the first team at Tynecastle Park for four years before joining Minnesota United in summer 2017.

He was transferred to Colorado Rapids the following year and spent two years in Denver before his contract was terminated by mutual consent for family reasons last week.

The new Hearts manager Robbie Neilson admitted on Monday that he is keen to lure Nicholson back to his formative club if possible, but acknowledged the interest from England.

“He is one we are interested in but I think there will be a lot of interest in Sam. There is already a lot of interest down south in him. We will have a chat with him and see where it goes,” said Neilson.

Rovers’ move for the player was first revealed by the Evening News last Friday: Nicholson reveals why he is leaving USA as English and Scottish clubs circle

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