St Johnstone keen to sign Hearts goalkeeper Jack Hamilton
Mannus is leaving McDiarmid Park this summer after seven years, so St Johnstone need a replacement to compete with their other keeper, Zander Clark, for the No.1 role. Hamilton, 24, is eager to play more regularly after a season on the Hearts substitutes’ bench. He was demoted from first choice to second last August following the arrival of Jon McLaughlin. He had hoped to fight his way back into contention but McLaughlin has remained No.1 all season. McLaughlin will leave next month when his one-year contract expires, but chances of Hamilton resuming first-choice status in Gorgie seem doubtful. The Hearts manager Craig Levein stated last week that he wants another senior and experienced goalkeeper for next season.
Hamilton’s contract runs until 2020 and he has always stressed his belief that he can regain the No.1 position at Hearts. St Johnstone have made contact with Tynecastle officials about the former Scotland squad keeper and discussions are expected to continue. Levein is currently looking for the experience and nous he wants to take over from McLaughlin. Hearts were linked with the Scotland keeper Allan McGregor, who is close to joining Rangers. Scott Bain was also an option, however he could get the chance of a permanent move to Celtic from Dundee when his loan at Parkhead ends.