Neil Alexander '˜very close' to signing new Hearts deal

Neil Alexander hopes to sign a new Hearts contract in the next few days after holding 'positive' talks with the club.

Hearts are keen for Neil Alexander to remain in his joint role as player/goalkeeping coach

The goalkeeper, 38, wants to continue as first choice next season and has all but agreed a deal with Tynecastle officials.

His existing contract expires in a few weeks time and Hearts have made it clear they want him to remain in his joint role as player/goalkeeping coach. Both parties spoke in detail last week and could finalise a deal in the coming days.

Head coach Robbie Neilson intends to sign another goalkeeper this summer as back-up for Alexander, with Jack Hamilton expected to go on loan to gain more first-team experience. Alexander has kept 16 clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership this season. His goalkeeping has underpinned a remarkable charge for European football despite the Edinburgh club being the league’s newly-promoted side. He fully expects to be in place when that European campaign kicks off at the end of the month.

“We had positive talks last week and we’re nearly there. I don’t see there being a problem,” Alexander told the Evening News.

“Hopefully it’ll be this week. I’m very happy to stay, delighted actually.

“The club have made it known to me that they’re very keen for me to stay. I’ve made it clear I want to stay as well so I don’t expect there to be any problems. We’re very close to getting it done.”