Hearts are poised to land Aaron McEneff today ahead of two English Championship clubs.
The midfielder is due to have a medical with the Edinburgh side ahead of tonight’s Scottish transfer deadline at midnight.
Barring any late hiccups, Rovers will pocket €180,000 from the deal after Hearts triggered a release clause.
McEneff was a standout performer for the Hoops as they raced to the League of Ireland title last season.
And he earned international recognition on the back of those efforts with a late call-up to the Ireland squad in November.
McEneff didn’t play in that Nations League clash with Bulgaria but is keen to make further inroads under Stephen Kenny.
Once a Tottenham Hotspur youth, he was courted by Rotherham United in 2018 but joined Rovers from Derry City instead.
Shamrock Rovers wanted to keep the Derry native who is under contract with the champions.
But after an initial offer was rejected on Saturday, Hearts returned to the table with an improved amount to trigger a deal.
Hearts are top of the Scottish Championship and racing to SPL promotion as they lead Raith Rovers by 11 points, but have played two games more than their rivals.
Mirror Sport revealed the Edinburgh club's interest in McEneff this morning, but his involvement with Ireland also saw two English Championship clubs in the mix.
But the prospect of regular game time at Hearts, and the fact the Scottish club made the strongest play for him, have tipped the balance in their favour.
Earlier today, Hearts signed Coventry City winger Gervane Kastaneer on loan for the rest of the season.
