HEARTS are set to sign Derby County striker Conor Sammon on a three-year deal after he rejected a move to Aberdeen.
The 29-year-old's contract with the Rams expires at the end of the month but he has negotiated an early release from the deal as the Jambos need to register their Europa League squad on June 20.
The Republic of Ireland international is expected to agree a three-year deal once he returns from holiday, after a season on loan at Sheffield United.
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Sammon scored six goals for the League One club last season but has good pedigree in Scotland, having scored 23 goals in 74 outings for Kilmarnock between 2008 and 2011.
It is believed that the length of contract on offer was the catalyst behind Sammon's decision to snub the Dons in favour of a move to Tynecastle.
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Hearts Under-20 coach Jon Daly is convinced that his compatriot will be a good addition to the squad.
He said: "I've not seen much of him recently, but I thought he was excellent at Kilmarnock with the likes of Alexei Eremenko creating stuff.
"He looked like the type of player who would work for the team. He stuck chances away. That's why he got his move to England in the January window, so, hopefully he can have the kind of impact he had at Kilmarnock.
"I don't see why he couldn't fill the role that Osman Sow had. He has a good work rate.
"Conor looks like he has that. He was a handful at Killie and if you get him the supply, he'll do well.
"We are back at Hearts on June 15. The break seems to get shorter and shorter, but the boys have a programme to keep them fit."
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