Islam Chesnokov sends cryptic Hearts transfer message as he addresses when 'everything will become clear'
The attacker has already signed a pre contract to join Hearts at the start of the winter transfer window.
Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov says the time is approaching when his future will become clear, ahead of his Hearts arrival.
The attacker is on international duty with his country for a World Cup qualifier versus Belgium and a friendly with the Faroe Islands. He has been on a break from club football after the end of his campaign at Tobol in his homeland, where the 25-year-old has netted 29 goals and 15 assists from 92 appearances.
Media in Kazakhstan claimed recently that Chesnokov could back out of his pre-contract agreement in Scotland following alternative offers from Russia. Sources close to the player confirmed the plan was still for him to join up with the Jambos. Now addressing his future and international duty over the next week, the player has said the time for explaining what happens next is on the horizon.
Islam Chesnokov on Hearts transfer
He said: "It's tough, the season is over. We've already been on vacation somewhere. Now we need to get ourselves together and perform at our best. Then we can rest peacefully. As for Scotland, there's a lot being written and said. Some are even bringing up family. Everything will become clear soon.
"We're preparing very well. We've completed one week of training. We're also looking forward to the game against Belgium. We'll see what's changed and how prepared we are. When you're on the national team, you don't need any motivation. You go out to fight for the flag, for the country, and for the fans. We don't care who we play against. We'll just go out and play for our country."
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes recently said amid the rumours coming out of Kazakhstan: “I don’t know where that’s come from. I can guess but nothing has changed for us,. We’re in constant dialogue with Islam’s agents. I’ve got a call with Islam next week which was always in the diary. We are quite comfortable in the sense that we expect him here in December.
Derek McInnes on Islam Chesnokov signing for Hearts
“The process for work permits will all go through as well. We want him to train with us in December, allow him to go home for Christmas, and then come back and get ready for January. We wanted him before the last window closed but he’s worth waiting for.
“He has signed a contract with us, all the conversations we’ve had with Islam and the agents are that he is looking forward to being here in January. We’re all quite comfortable with the situation.
“I’m looking forward to working with him. It’s a position we felt was key for us when we first came in. I thought we were getting him in the last window but it’s been a wee bit harder to get. We are nearly there with it now. When you do a pre-contract you have that certainty and confidence that we’ve got him and he’s coming.”