Robbie Neilson admits he would 'love to keep' Craig Halkett at Hearts beyond the end of the season.
The former Livingston defender's contract expires in the summer but the Tynecastle side have offered him a new deal.
Like fellow defender John Souttar, Halkett is free to talk to other clubs from January and sign a pre-contract deal.
The 26-year-old has been excellent for the Jambos this season and he's expected to return for the Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren tomorrow afternoon.
Hearts boss Neilson admits his absence was noticeable in the 2-0 defeat to Motherwell last weekend and he praised his improvement this campaign.
“We’re speaking to Craig Halkett as well,” Neilson admitted.
“We’ll try and get something done. I’d love to keep him; he’s done very well this season for us. He’s improved as the team has improved.
“He played in centre half in a back two in Championship and did well, but playing in the centre of the three definitely suits him more.
“We probably did miss him last week. I think the physicality, the way Motherwell play, being direct, strikers using their physicality backing in, getting into areas, because of that and gaining territory, so I think Craig would’ve helped us.”
