Frankie Kent seals Hearts transfer as defender signs three year deal to leave Peterborough for Tynecastle

Frankie Kent has signed for Hearts after the Jambos paid an undisclosed fee to Peterborough United.

The 27-year-old was in the final year of his contract at London Road. The Posh's policy is to transfer list players in the last year of their deal who are unlikely to pen an extension. Interest in Kent was high, but as exclusively revealed by Record Sport, the capital club reached an agreement after their initial offer was rejected. Kent has signed a three-year deal in Gorgie and joins Michael McGovern as their second new recruit as sporting director Joe Savage starts to get face in the door. Calem Nieuwenhof will be added to Steven Naismith's squad once his as granted a visa and work permit.

Kent will bolster the central defensive options at Tynecastle. Craig Halkett missed all but a few weeks of last season after suffering a serious hamstring and cruciate ligament injuries. Stephen Kingsley was also missing due to concussion and personal reasons, while James Hill returned to Bournemouth after his loan ended. Kent will now compete with Halkett, Kingsley, Kye Rowles and Toby Sibbick for the centre back berths.

Speaking after making the move, head coach Frankie McAvoy said: “We’re really pleased that Frankie has become our third signing of the summer.

“He’s played at a high level in England and I know from experience what it takes to be a success down there. Frankie ticks all the boxes that we were looking for. He’s a dominating defender, someone who will lead at the back but also someone who can play football. He has all the attributes and we’re looking forward to helping him improve even further.”

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