Hearts had a six-figure deadline day bid for Callum Paterson rejected as Sheffield Wednesday open contract talks to keep him beyond the summer, according to a report.
The former Tynecastle star is out of contract at the end of the season and can discuss a pre-contract move to a new club. Robbie Neilson made his intentions clear during the January transfer window but the capital club failed to get the English League One leaders to accept their offers to make a deal happen including a final attempt on the last day of the window say the Sheffield Star.
The decision to rebuff any advances from north of the border were instantly rewarded as the 28-year-old netted the only goal of the game as Darren Moore's men claimed first place in the England's third tier with a top of the table showdown win over Plymouth. The early strike won a huge three points - but it came at a cost with Patterson suffering an injury and replaced. His club boss admitted the knock 'doesn't look good' in his post-match assessment from the weekend.
READ MORE: Robbie Neilson names Hearts area to improve as he makes 'front foot and being positive' confession
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Speaking after the game, the Hillsborough boss said: “It was a professional performance all over the pitch. We had to start the game we did because we are playing the team at the top of the league.
“We came out flying, we put them on the back foot and credit to the players, I’m so pleased for them tonight.
“Pato took his goal really well and it’s such a shame for him that he had to come off later in the game.
“It’s a muscular injury and I’ve just spoken to him now, it’s sore, and we will have him assessed over the next day or two but I’ve got to be honest, it doesn’t look good.”
Next up for the table toppers is an FA Cup reply with Celtic hero Scott Brown and his Fleetwood Town side. The first meeting between the pair ended 1-1 and they go head to head once again tonight.
READ NEXT:
- Hearts 3 Dundee United 1 as Jambos bounce back, Shankland nets again - 3 things we learned
- Robbie Neilson in Gary Mackay-Steven Hearts confession as he delivers Dundee United injury update
- Toby Sibbick in Hearts 'silly for me to leave' confession as he opens up on Blackpool transfer bid
- Stephen Humphrys reveals what he told Robbie Neilson when Hearts boss asked about permanent switch
- Hearts star Craig Gordon back in gym just ONE month after double leg break as rehab journey begins
