Hearts look at alternative signing target as Alan Forrest move stalls

Hearts are shifting their attention to other signing targets after a move for Livingston winger Alan Forrest stalled.
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Tynecastle officials are concerned by delays as they try to sign the 25-year-old for next season. They are looking at the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Connor Ronan as an alternative option and are ready to pursue a deal for the player, who is currently on loan at St Mirren.

The Evening News has learned that Forrest is still interested in joining Hearts as a free agent when his Livingston contract expires in a matter of weeks. However, the speed of the process has been slow and the Edinburgh club cannot afford to wait as they try to strengthen their squad.

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Reinforcements are needed for dual commitments domestically and in Europe next season. Forrest held positive talks with Hearts last month and is seen as a player who would compete for a first-team place at Riccarton if he agrees terms.

The deal is not yet completely dead but the stalling leaves Hearts unsure of Forrest’s long-term intentions. They are now looking at Ronan as a possibility for next term. He is under contract at Wolves until 2024 and the English club want a sizeable six-figure transfer fee.

Hearts are also keen to bring in at least one new centre-back and another striker to compete with top goalscorer Liam Boyce. They are interested in a deal for Beerschot’s Scotland internationalist Lawrence Shankland, but the Belgian club want a transfer fee of £500,000 to sell at this stage.

New contracts have been offered to existing players Peter Haring and Connor Smith to keep them in Gorgie.