Huge blow for Livingston as star man joins Premiership rivals

Livingston hero James Penrice has agreed a pre-contract deal with Premiership giants Hearts this summer.

The 25-year-old defender joined Livingston from Partick Thistle in 2021 and has become a fans' favourite.

But boss Davie Martindale admits he advised Penrice that Tynecastle would be a good move for him, as he became resigned to losing him in the summer.

Hearts, who are third in the Premiership and looking like booking a European slot, have snapped up Motherwell midfielder Blair Spittal and Yan Dhanda from Ross County as their summer rebuilding starts in earnest.

Meanwhile, Livingston are battling relegation, with 10 points between them and rivals Ross County in the play-off slot.

Martindale said: "It's his decision. His representatives will do the best for him.

"If he has to sign a pre-contract and thinks that's right, I'll be more than happy, because I trust James 100 per cent.

"It's not going to change my relationship with him. If James holds off to see what else is out there in the summer, including Hearts, I don't think that would be a bad option for him either."

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