Hearts make their decision on French trialist Yann Songo'o

Midfielder played two bounce games for Edinburgh side

Yann Songo’o trained with Hearts as a trialist.

Hearts have decided not to offer a contract to French midfielder Yann Songo’o after taking him on trial, the Evening News can reveal.

The 28-year-old was told that the Edinburgh club won’t be taking their interest any further and has now left Riccarton to pursue options elsewhere.

He played in bounce matches against St Mirren last Wednesday and Burnley on Saturday, with Hearts manager Robbie Neilson keen to sign a midfielder.

Songo’o featured for 45 minutes in each of the games but was not offered a deal. He remains a free agent after leaving Scunthorpe United in the summer.

The former Plymouth Argyle player is still interested in returning to Scotland having previously spent time on loan at Ross County from Blackburn Rovers.

Hearts’ quest to reinforce their midfield will continue ahead of competitive matches starting next month.

They are now looking at other potential options in that position and also intend to sign a new centre-back to compensate for John Souttar’s latest Achilles injury.

The Scotland defender is expected to miss around six months of football after suffering another rupture last month.

With teenager Aaron Hickey flying to Italy to complete a transfer to Bologna, there will be some cash available for Neilson to strengthen his defence. He wants a left-sided centre-back if possible.

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