CHRIS Hackett could be set for a shock move to Scotland.
Oxford United's flying winger is a reported target of Scottish Premier League outfit Hibernian, while Hearts are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the wide man.
The 22-year-old's contract at the Kassam Stadium runs out this summer, and with boss Brian Talbot looking to make drastic changes to his squad, Hackett could be a big-name casualty.
Talbot confirmed last night that Hibs are interested in Hackett, but that he wants to keep him at the club.
"Chris Hackett is out of contract at the end of the season," he said. "Hibs have shown an interest in him, but we would like to keep him here.
"However, if he wants to go, we can't do much about it."
The Sandford flier started the season in fine form, with several eye-catching performances prompting Talbot to call him "the best winger in the league".
But since being sent off in the home game with Grimsby, Hackett has struggled to hold down a first-team spot.
The three-match suspension, coupled with a niggling calf injury, means that Hackett has started just four matches since November.
Although a move north of the border would be a shock, Talbot has said that he is aiming to bring in a right-sided midfield player during the transfer window.
And that could mean Hackett dropping down the pecking order.
Sources in Scotland say that interest from both Hearts and Hibs would not be surprising.
Hearts' head coach Graham Rix, who knows Hackett well from his time at Oxford, is after a right winger, although the club have already tabled a £850,000 bid for another player.
Tony Mowbray, the Hibs manager, is in the market for young players with plenty of experience, and Hackett falls into that category, having made 79 starts for United and 63 substitute appearances.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article