Nathaniel Atkinson targeted for Hearts transfer exit by Melbourne Victory as Australian told he's free to leave

Melbourne Victory want to hand Nathaniel Atkinson a return to the A-League.

The defender has been deemed surplus to requirements at Hearts. The Australia international is wanted by former Jambo Patrick Kisnorbo, who is now head coach at Victory. Atkinson is currently weighing up his options after being told he is unlikely to be in Stevie Naismith’s long-term plans.

The 25-year-old has been training with the Hearts B team in recent weeks. Atkinson is currently considering his options. The full-back is out-of-contract at the end of this season. Atkinson has to decide whether or not he wants to move to get game time to keep himself involved with the Socceroos. It also remains to be seen if Atkinson wants to remain in Europe or head back to Australia. He has been at Hearts for the last two years having moved from Victory’s rivals, Melbourne City and has made 72 appearances at Tynecastle.

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Hearts boss Naismith is also poised to add another defender in Andres Salazar, albeit he is a left-sided full-back. The Jambos have agreed a deal for the Colombian international with Atletico Nacional.

The 21-year-old is in Scotland to complete his season-long loan, with Hearts having an option to purchase at the end of that. Hearts are also set to confirm defender Stephen Kingsley has agreed a new three year contract. The club will also have the option to extend that for another 12 months.