Hearts have been beaten to the signing of Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay by American side Philadelphia Union, according to reports.
Robbie Neilson was desperate to bring the out of contract defender to Tynecastle when his deal expires at the end of the campaign.
The 25-year-old former Celtic youth player is rumoured to be on the way out of Rugby Park as part of a summer reshuffle under new boss Tommy Wright, regardless whether or not they avoid relegation from the Scottish Premiership.
The Jambos’ new recruitment chief Joe Savage had identified Findlay as the ideal replacement for 36-year-old Christophe Berra to partner Craig Halkett at centre half.
But the Gorgie outfit are set to miss out on the Scotland international, with the Scottish Sun now claiming he is on the verge of a six-figure move to join MLS side Union.
The American transfer window is open until May 4, a month after the season gets underway.
Findlay is currently out with an ankle injury, but may have played his last game for Killie already as the Ayrshire side look to cash in on the defender before he is allowed to walk away for free at the end of May.
He could join up with the MLS Cup holders before the defence of their trophy gets underway and may partner Scotland-eligible Jack Elliott at the heart of the Union back line.
The Jambos completed a move for Gary Mackay-Steven in January after he left American side New York City on a free transfer.
City rivals Hibernian captured the signing of wing back Chris Cadden in January from Columbus Crew while Lewis Morgan and Johnny Russell have flourished at Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami respectively since becoming the latest Scottish talent to join the MLS ranks.
It means Hearts will have to find an alternative to the left side of their back line, with club legend Berra in the twilight of his career and Mihai Popescu failing to impress since hiss arrival in the summer.
