New A-League franchise Melbourne Hearts are reportedly on the trail of Central Coast Mariners defender Nigel Boogaard. Sources in Gosford told tribalfootball.com that the Mariners will lose the 23-year old to the Heart who will enter the league next season after being granted the 11th A-League licence.

The Newcastle-born Boogaard has been in great touch this season with consistent performances and will be a massive loss to the Mariners if he does happen to make the move south.

Boogaard was a member of the Mariners' 2007/08 A-League squad that was runner-up to Newcastle Jets and has represented Australia at U17 and U23 level.