Hearts to battle Hibs for Morgan Feeney transfer as Steven Naismith aims to hijack deal for defender

HIBS are facing serious competition from Hearts in their bid to sign Morgan Feeney.

The Carlisle United centre-back is available on a free after running down his contract at Brunton Park. And Easter Road gaffer Lee Johnson was hoping he could reunite with a stopper he previously worked with at Sunderland.

But there could be a stumbling block for the Leith boss, with new Hearts manager Steven Naismith looking to hijack the deal and take the 24-year-old Scouser to the other side of the capital. Talks with the Gorgie outfit are planned this week as Naismith looks to push through an agreement. Feeney made a major contribution to Carlisle’s League Two promotion bid this season but a hamstring injury ruled him out of their Wembley play-off final win over Stockport.

The ex-England youth international played 35 games for Carlisle this term before his injury in April that forced him to miss the run-in.

In 2017, Feeney made his debut for Everton in a Europa League tie against Italian cracks Atalanta at Goodison Park. He had a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers before moving to Sunderland then joined Carlisle in 2021.

He’s been generating significant interest north of the border this summer and has already knocked back offers from Motherwell, Ross county, Livingston and St Mirren. Aberdeen have also been sniffing about the defender although there’s been no further moves made by the Pittodrie boss since initial discussions with Feeney’s agents last week.

He is also still considering alternative moves in England but the Edinburgh clubs have battled their way to the front of the queue.

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