Jacob Davenport trains with Hearts as Lee Seung-woo contract issue arises

Jacob Davenport is training with Hearts this week in an attempt to win a contract with the Edinburgh club.

The former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City midfielder arrived at Riccarton following a similar trial at Reading earlier this summer. He is being assessed by manager Robbie Neilson and coaching staff as they look to strengthen their squad further.

The Evening News revealed Hearts’ interest in Davenport on Sunday and the player has travelled north hoping to impress. He has held talks with Hearts officials and more discussions are expected to take place later in the week.

Aged 23, Davenport is a left-footed central midfielder able to win the ball and pass with authority. He was released by Blackburn when his contract expired on June 30 and is now seeking a new club.

Hearts are considering reinforcing their midfield with Beni Baningime sidelined until later this year with a cruciate ligament injury. Cammy Devlin is just back after a hamstring issue and full-back Michael Smith played in the centre alongside Peter Haring in Saturday’s opening Premiership win over Ross County.

Management will watch Davenport in training before making a final decision on whether he should become a permanent addition to the group.

Hearts also remain keen to sign the South Korea international forward Lee Seung-woo from Suwon FC. They have proposed a three-year contract for the 24-year-old but Suwon want to keep their star man as the K League 1 is still in mid-season.

Talks are ongoing surrounding whether there is a release clause in Lee’s contract and, if so, whether it has been triggered by Hearts’ interest. Suwon are fighting to avoid losing the player and are reluctant to publicly acknowledge any background talks relating to the Tynecastle club.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Jacob Davenport of Blackburn Rovers celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Blackburn Rovers at Brentford Community Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Brentford, England. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Lee has scored ten goals in 22 appearances so far this term but is now suspended for Suwon’s next two matches due to a red card in his last outing. Hearts want to continue their pursuit of the creative forward, who plays most often as a left winger or a second striker.

They would like a deal done to bring him to Edinburgh as soon as possible but Suwon won’t part with him easily.