Hearts defender and club captain Christophe Berra has said he understands the draw of Rangers for Kyle Lafferty and that he will be replaced were he to return to Ibrox.
The Northern Irish international has been heavily linked with a move back to the Light Blues this summer, with the Scottish Sun claiming that a second bid is inbound after Steven Gerrard saw a first offer rejected by their league rivals, who are said to be looking for a £750,000 fee.
Berra believes that Lafferty is dedicated to his current club and will remain so until his future is sorted out, but that Hearts will make moves to fill the gap if he does go.
He told the Scottish Sun: Kyle scored 17 or 18 goals last year in all competitions. But it is between Kyle and the owner what will happen, whether he goes or stays.
“It will be resolved I am sure — maybe soon, maybe in two or three weeks’ time. I’ve been in the game long enough, if he does go he will be replaced. People leave clubs, that’s football.
“It is up to Kyle to be professional and turn up each day for training and give his all. It will be difficult for Kyle, there is no lying there — everyone knows it.”
Opinion
It sounds as though Berra really is not sure whether Lafferty will be at Hearts next season, which suggests as though the striker might have been having words around the squad about leaving for Ibrox. As the defender says, the hitman was in fine form last season and it is clear to see why Gerrard wants a man of his quality and experience leading the line with the Light Blues, with Alfredo Morelos joined by the as yet unproven Umar Sadiq up top. Still, there seems to be some negotiating to be done before any move goes through, and there is no doubt that Hearts will be reluctant to let him go without seeing a fair price paid out for his capture. Whether the two clubs can agree on what is deemed fair remains to be seen, but there are definitely some legs to this one. What it means for the current options up front is another matter entirely, but Gerrard will have to manage his squad wisely with a long season ahead, so another figure in the squad should not hurt.