Hearts land huge Europa League boost as Viktoria Plzen star man set for £8m transfer to Hoffenheim

Hearts could be handed a huge Europa League boost ahead of facing Viktoria Plzen next week.

The Jambos welcome the Czech outfit to Tynecastle on Thursday night with an all or nothing clash in Gorgie. The visitors arrive with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg after netting with virtually the last kick of the game in a heartbreaking ending for Steven Naismith and his troops in their first leg of their play-off clash.

However, their quest to land a spot in the second tier competition could be aided with Plzen on the brink of selling star man Robin Hranac to Hoffenheim for £8million. A bid has been accepted for the stopper from the Bundesliga side - who already boast three Czechs in their squad in the shape of Pavel Kaderabek, Adam Hlozek and David Jurasek. Viktoria Plzen stated: "We have received a lot of interest about Robin and at this moment, it is not possible to confirm or deny whether an official bid has been accepted."

However, reports in the Czech Republic have confirmed Hranac has already agreed personal terms on the move and could join ahead of Thursday's return game with Hearts. The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Viktoria and won his first international cap this year for his country in a game against Armenia.

He is a key member of a side who have kept six clean sheets in their eight games so far this season and their 1-0 win against Hearts was their fourth shut-out in a row.

The winner of the tie in the capital will take part in the newly revamped league format in the Europa League with the loser not missing out entirely with the guarantee parachute of Conference League group stage football on offer.