Hearts close to signing Inverness winger Jake Mulraney in swap deal

Hearts are close to signing Inverness winger Jake Mulraney in a swap deal

Both clubs are in advanced talks about an agreement to take midfielder Beith to the Highlands for next season, with Irishman Mulraney heading to Edinburgh.

Mulraney spent a week on trial at Riccarton last December and is now poised to become Hearts' third signing ahead of the new campaign. Strikers Steven MacLean and Uche Ikpeazu agreed pre-contracts last week to join from St Johnstone and Cambridge United respectively.

The 22-year-old's arrival would add another wide player to Levein's squad. He joined Inverness after being released by Queens Park Rangers two years ago. He has scored three goals in 31 appearances for Caledonian Thistle so far this season and has been heavily involved in their recent surge towards the Scottish Championship play-off places.

Known for his impressive turn of pace, he is eager to further his career in the Premiership and is out of contract at Inverness this summer. Hearts see him as a squad player who can develop at a higher level.

They are happy for Beith, also 22, to head in the opposite direction. The midfielder has been on loan at Stranraer since December and his Hearts contract expires next month. He has been in discussions with Inverness over a two-year contract.

Part of the swap proposal would likely see both clubs waive any right to a development fee for the two players.