The player has previously been the subject of bids from Celtic and has attracted interest from several sides in the Championship. Provided Saints can match the other offers on the table, the attraction of working with George Burley again may prove a tempting one for the player. However, with wealthy owner Romanov at the helm, Hearts don't have to sell and Saints Chairman Rupert Lowe will be determined not to pay over the odds.
The player himself is facing a possible suspension as he is currently being investigated by the Scottish FA for an alleged kick on Celtic's Ross Wallace on New Year's Day. The kick was missed by the referree but is under investigation and may earn the midfielder a ban if found guilty at his hearing on January 31st.