Hearts boss Robbie Neilson is hopeful John Souttar will put pen to paper on a fresh deal.
The Tynecastle centre-back has been immense since his return from injury and his headed winner against Celtic in the opening weekend of the new Premiership season was a massive moment to mark his comeback.
Neilson knows however that his contract is set to expire next summer and doesn't want to risk losing the defender for nothing.
That's why talks have already been opened over a new Hearts contract for Souttar and Neilson also reckons he can take a long-term view to returning to the Scotland fold.
He said: “John is just getting back to full fitness. He has a year left on his contract and we have opened up talks early to try and get it sorted.
“It’s been a tough few years for John injury wise and now it’s a case of focusing on getting back to playing week in and week out.
“We want to get him up to 50 to 100 games consistently.
“If he can do that then he will get back to his best and hopefully get in about the national team. Then everyone is happy.”
