Heart of Midlothian are facing stiff competition from Portuguese side Boavista in their pursuit of Kazakhstan international Islam Chesnokov.
Boavista, currently battling relegation, have recently appointed experienced Scottish manager Stuart Baxter in a last-ditch effort to avoid the drop.
Hearts have had their eye on the 25-year-old winger for several months and made an unsuccessful attempt to sign him in January after failing to agree on a fee with FC Tobol, who accused the Edinburgh club of making a lowball offer.
With Chesnokov’s contract set to expire in October, Hearts have presented a contract offer in hopes of securing his arrival this summer.
However, Boavista – now under the guidance of the well-travelled 71-year-old Baxter, who has previously been linked with jobs at Hearts, Celtic and Aberdeen – have also entered the race and are reportedly offering a more lucrative package.
Despite their interest, Boavista’s precarious position, sitting second-bottom with just four matches remaining, means their future in the top flight hangs in the balance unless Baxter can orchestrate a dramatic turnaround.
