Malachi Boateng to Hearts transfer in the works as Jambos try to thrash out a deal with Crystal Palace

Hearts are working on a deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Malachi Boateng.

Record Sport understands the former Queen's Park and Dundee loan star is wanted by Tynecastle boss Steven Naismith and negotiations are ongoing with the English Premier League outfit in an attempt to bring him to Tynecastle on a permanent deal. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder, who also holds Ghanaian citizenship, spent last term on loan at Dundee and helped Tony Docherty's side secure a top six Premiership finish. He was a regular for the Dark Blues, making 36 appearances and providing one assist.

Now he could have a European campaign to look forward to if Hearts are able to thrash out a deal with Palace. Boateng would become the capital club's eighth signing of the summer. Yan Dhanda, Blair Spittal and James Penrice were all secured on pre-contracts some time ago before being officially announced. Musa Drammeh has joined from Sevilla while right backs Daniel Oyegoke and Costa Rican international Gerald Taylor further boosted Naismith's numbers.

There is thought to be interest in Boateng from down south, although Hearts are thought to be the front runners should Palace agree to any deal. Meanwhile, Toby Sibbick has left Tynecastle to join Wigan Athletic on a permanent basis. Former Hibs boss Shaun Maloney was a big admirer of Sibbick during his time in the capital and has now got his man after Sibbick was told he wouldn't be part of Naismith's plans this season.