Hearts face fight to land Craig Gordon as English club enters race for ex-Celtic ace

The Scotland international has already had offers from Celtic, St Mirren and Hearts

Hearts face stiff competition to land Craig Gordon with Derby County showing interest.

The goalkeeper has departed Celtic following the expiry of his contract and the English Championship are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, according to the Scottish Sun.

Gordon rejected the renewal offer put forward by the Scottish champions, calling the difference between what he was on at Parkhead and what he was offered “absolutely enormous”. It has been reported to amount to an 80 per cent reduction.

Derby County are the latest side to show interest in Craig Gordon. Picture: SNS

There was an offer from St Mirren but the Buddies have since signed Jak Alnwick.

Former club Hearts have been in talks with the 37-year-old about a return to Tynecastle where he would be managed by former team-mate Robbie Neilson.

A two-year deal has been put on the table but Gordon has admitted that he is not rushing into a decision. This could allow Derby to steal in with an offer to tempt him tdown to England once more having played for Sunderland following a £9 million move from Hearts in 2007.

On Monday, he said: “I had a fantastic time there [at Celtic] over the six years. I still want to be able to speak to them and see what they have to offer – what they are thinking for my role for next season, if they want me to stay there.

“There is still a bit of chat still to be had there. I would have liked things to be sorted out before now with them, but that leaves the door open for everybody else to make an offer.”

Gordon is likely to seek a club where he would get regular game time with a key goal to add to his 54 Scotland caps.