Gilks speaks to Hearts as Turf deal expires

Clarets keeper Matt Gilks '“ expected to confirm his departure from Turf Moor this week '“ is a target for SPL side Hearts.
Matt Gilks is expected to leave Turf MoorMatt Gilks is expected to leave Turf Moor
Matt Gilks is expected to leave Turf Moor

The Scotland international signed a two-year deal on a free transfer two years ago after his departure from Blackpool.

But the 33-year-old made only two appearances for Burnley as he found his way to the side barred by the consistent form of Tom Heaton, who earned his first England call-up at the end of last season, and was named in the PFA Championship team of the year this.

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And our sister paper The Scotsman has reported that Hearts may make a move for the former Rochdale and Norwich City man.

Gilks was at the club’s Riccarton training base last week ahead of the 1-0 win at Aberdeen on Thursday night.

He made his Scotland debut in 2012 as a substitute in a friendly against Australia and has since made two more appearances for the national side.

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson said: “He is one that we have looked at, as we have looked at several players.

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“It is that time of year. Obviously you can’t sign anybody until June 9th so we are just looking.

“He just came up to have a look and a chat as we have done with a few players.

“We will see how things progress over the next few weeks with several of our targets.

“We are always trying to move the squad forward and make sure that the people who come in are better than the ones that go. But it is very early stages.

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“We don’t need that many - four, maybe, not as many as last summer because the boys have proven they can play at this level so it is just adding a bit more quality.”

Gilks is one of a number of players out of contract at Turf Moor this summer, including Joey Barton, Michael Duff – who has already announced his retirement from playing to take up a coaching role on the Academy staff, Matt Taylor, Paul Robinson and Lloyd Dyer.