Scottish Premiership sides Hearts and Hibernian are interested in signing Preston North End forward Connor Simpson, according to reports from TEAMtalk.

The 19-year-old signed for North End from National League side Hartlepool United in January 2018, and has since made just the one senior appearance for Alex Neil's side, against Aston Villa in the Championship.

The forward spent the second half of last season back in the North East on loan with League Two side Carlisle United, scoring just one goal in eight league games for Steven Pressley's side, who narrowly missed out on a play-off spot.

Simpson now finds himself out of favour at Deepdale, sitting behind the likes of Jayden Stockley, Sean Maguire, Louis Moult and Billy Bodin in the pecking order.

According to TEAMtalk, though, Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibs are interested in the 6-foot-5 striker, with both sides making enquiries about the 19-year-old.

A number of League One and Two sides are also said to be interested in Simpson, with the summer transfer window set to come to an end on the 2nd of September.

North End made it three games unbeaten in the Championship at the weekend, drawing 1-1 against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Verdict

Simpson really impressed me when he first came through the ranks at Hartlepool, and you couldn't blame him for making the move to Preston given their reputation for developing younger players.

But things just haven't worked out since his move to Deepdale, and he hardly made an impact at Carlisle last season for one reason or another.

He's at an age where he needs to be playing football, and if either Hearts or Hibs can give him that, then it could be the best move for him.