Kyle Lafferty has admitted he’d love to return to Hearts after folloiwng his departure from Rangers.
The Northern Irish international scored 19 goals for the Jambos in 2017/18 before returning to Ibrox in the August of last season.
He lasted just a year at his boyhood club however after struggling to force himself in to Steven Gerrard’s starting XI.
His contract was terminated by mutual consent and the 31-year-old is currently without a club, but told sister title the Daily Record he’d love a return to Tynecastle .
“I’d like to stay in Scotland but I don’t know what to do,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed playing abroad, I enjoy that type of football and the lifestyle of being abroad as my family would enjoy that but it’s not about just going somewhere hot and sunny.
“My preference would be to stay in the Premiership and my ideal move would be to go back to Hearts as I enjoyed my time there.
“People don’t realise how big a club they are but they are a terrific club who’ve signed Conor Washington an international team-mate of mine. He’s someone who will score goals and that’s what Hearts need right now.
“I need to sit down and assess things and decide my next step. We’ll see what the next chapter is.”
Despite it being Lafferty's preference, it's understood a return would be unlikely.
Craig Levein's priority is a central midfielder, with the club in talks with Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan.
Hearts are also well stocked in the forward department and Levein last month ruled out a move for free agent Lafferty.
It's also thought that the manner in which Lafferty left the club last August is another factor.
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