Steven Gerrard’s bid to sign Kyle Lafferty is progressing but Rangers transfer is not “inevitable”, says Hearts boss Craig Levein
Rangers and Hearts remain locked in talks over the potential transfer of the Northern Ireland striker to Ibrox
Hearts manager Craig Levein says talks are progressing with Rangers over Kyle Lafferty's potential return to Ibrox, but maintains that a transfer is not "inevitable".
Hearts rejected an initial £200,000 bid three weeks ago for the 30-year-old.
However, Levein admits both clubs are still locked in negotiations over a potential deal, although insisted the transfer is not a formality.
"We're still speaking to Rangers about the situation," the Hearts boss said.
"There's no point in me going over any details.
"Things are ongoing. It's not inevitable."
The Northern Ireland striker is believed to be keen on a return to Ibrox, where he played from 2008 to 2012, however he remains fully committed on the field, underlining his big-game credentials once again by scoring a winner against reigning champions Celtic on Sunday afternoon.
And Levein says the speculation is not affecting the front man, a boyhood Gers fan, who has said that "he will leave it to the two clubs to sort something out".
He added: "He seems happy enough. I've not had any problems with him. He certainly looked to be smiling on Saturday anyway, that's for sure.
"We're in discussions all the time. Obviously the situation is not of our making and we'll see what happens."
It's also understood that former Hearts man Lee Wallace could be offered as a makeweight in the deal, with further talks planned for later today as Steven Gerrard chases his 11th summer signing.