Hearts keen on signing out of contract Scotland international defender

Stephen Kingsley is out of contract after leaving Hull City

Hearts are interested in signing Scotland defender Stephen Kingsley.

The left-back is a free agent after leaving Hull City at the end of June following the expiry of his deal.

Robbie Neilson is keen to rebuild the Tynecastle squad after relegation to the Championship was confirmed last month with winger Elliott Frear on trial.

Stephen Kingsley is wanted by Hearts following his release by Hull City. Picture: SNS

Bobby Burns and Sean Clare have both left with Conor Washington set to follow.

The club could also cash in on Aaron Hickey, who is set to travel to Germany this week to be shown around the facilities at Bayern Munich.

The Tynecastle outfit are keen on bringing former Falkirk star Kingsley as a potential replacement, but face competition from other clubs for his signature.

The 26-year-old is a Scotland international, his sole appearance coming in 2016 against France. Capable of also playing centre-back, he is a formidable defender and modern-day full-back.

Kingsley has experience of the Premier League and Championship in England. Picture: Getty

Kingsley was not offered a new deal by Hull City who were ultimately relegated from the Championship after the resumption of the 2019/20 season.

He emerged at Falkirk where he impressed significantly to earn a move to Swansea City. Loan spells at Yeovil Town and Crewe Alexandra followed before he broke into the Swans first-team while the club were in the Premier League.

The player has spent the last three seasons at the Tigers but was limited to 45 Championship appearances due to injury, mainly a groin issue which has affected Andy Murray and Kieran Tierney.