Kyle Lafferty holds talks with Hearts chiefs amid Rangers interest

Kyle Lafferty has held talks with Hearts owner Ann Budge and manager Craig Levein amid interest from Rangers in the striker.

Kyle Lafferty was a second half substitute during Hearts' 5-0 win over Inverness CT at the weekend. Picture: SNS

The club’s leading goalscorer from last season was the subject of a bid from the Ibrox side last week, thought to be in the region of £200,000.

Levein described the offer as “disappointing” when he spoke the media following Hearts’ 5-0 victory over Inverness CT in the Betfred Cup.

Kyle Lafferty was a second half substitute during Hearts' 5-0 win over Inverness CT at the weekend. Picture: SNS

Lafferty was a second half substitute in the match, fuelling speculation that he’d soon be on his way out of Hearts with reports of the Northern Irishman seeking to force the club’s hand.

However, the Evening News understands that the situation remains amicable between player and club and no transfer request has been made by the 30-year-old.

Lafferty netted 19 goals last season and Hearts are understandably keen to hold on to the fans’ favourite. He has less than a year remaining on his contract.