Derby County midfielder Craig Bryson has emerged as a target for Scottish side Hearts when his contract expires in the summer.

32-year-old Bryson has been a superb player for the Rams during his time with the club, but with Frank Lampard looking at other options going forward, Bryson is expected to move away from the Midlands in the next transfer window.

[ad_pod ]

And according to the Scottish Sun, Bryson is a target for Hearts, who are keen to beat Kilmarnock to the signature of the one of the Championship's most consistent midfielders over the last few years.

Bryson will no doubt be keen to secure a move when his contract does expire, and will see a move back to Scotland of massive appeal on a personal level having spent the last eight years in England.

Hearts manager Craig Levein is desperate to strengthen his squad over the summer months, and has identified the Scottish international midfielder as the ideal sort of signing who can bring quality and goals to the middle of the park.

Bryson has found game time hard to come by under new Rams manager Lampard, and it will be interesting to see if he does indeed decide to move back north of the border.

The Verdict

Bryson has been superb for the Rams ever since moving to the Championship club, and he'll leave a fondly remembered player for the Midlanders.

His energy and goals from midfielder will be a big win for Hearts if they can sign him, and Rams manager Lampard will need to move to ensure he finds a suitable long-term replacement.