Barrie McKay has held discussions with Hearts over a potential switch to Tynecastle.

That was confirmed by sporting director Joe Savage who revealed the club hope to bring in the former Rangers winger on a free transfer.

McKay, 26, left Swansea City this summer and is available as a freebie and the Jambos are in pole position to bring him in.

Savage, speaking to PA, explained that he and the club feel McKay can be a valuable asset to their efforts this term.

“We’ve had initial conversations with Barrie," he said. "He’s a very good footballer. We feel he’s someone who would improve us.

“We’ve spoken with his agent and he’s got interest from England as well so we’ve not made any contract offer or anything like that.

“We’ve just had initial discussions and we’re waiting for Barrie to come back to us to see where he’s at. He is a player that’s been put to us and he’s a player we like.”

Hearts are also hoping to tie down John Souttar on a new contract. Savage added: "We’ve offered John a new contract. We’re hopeful that he’ll be persuaded to stay because he’s a top player. He’s taking his time to see what his options are. We’re fine with that because with the standard and level of player John is, he’s bound to attract interest.

“We’re trying and hoping to get him to stay but if we don’t then we won’t be selling him cheap in January, I can tell you that.

“The good thing now is that the window is closed so we don’t need to worry about trying to bid for him but it’s now up to Robbie and I to get a contract to him that he’s happy to sign.”