Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sean Clare close to completing Hearts move

The 21-year-old, who left Sheffield Wednesday last summer after rejecting a new contract, is poised to join the Tynecastle club on a short-team deal in the next 24 hours.

Clare watched Hearts' 1-0 victory at Motherwell on Saturday.

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Hearts manager Craig Levein said: 'He's nearly signed. It's been quite complicated. He's a Sheffield Wednesday player essentially because he's subject to training compensation. We're just trying to get that whole thing sorted out.

"I believe the paperwork's nearly done and he should be signed with us by Monday and I can't tell you how excited I am about that.'

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Clare spent two years at Hillsborough, having progressed through the Nike academy.

But the 21-year-old made only five appearances, scoring once. He was loaned out to Bury, Accrington Stanley and Gillingham before Owls boss Jos Luhukay gave him a chance to prove his credentials at Championship level.

However, Clare snubbed Wednesday's contract offer, opting to become a free agent.

Hearts and Rangers were both reportedly keen on signing him during the close season but were unable to reach an agreement with the playmaker.

Should Clare become Hearts' 18th signing since the end of last season, the Owls, under the current transfer regulations regarding free agents of a certain age, will be entitled to training compensation. The Star understands Wednesday will be owed in the region of £130,000.

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