HEARTS are locked in talks with Queen of the South over a compensation fee for striker Gavin Reilly.

Tynecastle head coach Robbie Neilson has identified the 22-year-old as a player that can bolster his squad ahead of their return to the Premiership.

Reilly's 15 goals helped the Doonhamers reach the Championship play-offs this season.

Even though Reilly is out of contract, Queens are entitled to a fee after the marksman graduated from the Palmerston Park youth set-up.

Queens manager James Fowler, who has already lost left back Kevin Holt to Dundee and is bracing himself for midfielder Ian McShane's departure to Ross County, said: "With the season Gavin has had, there has obviously been interest in him.

"It's one that will possibly happen. It will be sad to see him go and it will be difficult to replace him but he will go with our best wishes if it does happen."