Midfielder Skacel talks of return to Hearts

Rudi Skacel is in talks with Hearts about a possible return to Tynecastle, four years after leaving for Southampton in a £1.6million transfer deal, reports the The Scotsman.

The 31 year old is available as a free agent after turning down the offer of a new contract with Greek club Larissa.

"I've started talks with two or three clubs, and one of them is Hearts," Skacel told The Scotsman.

"We'll see what happens over the next few days, but I'm really excited. The year I spent at Hearts before was something special for the team and for me."

Skacel admitted that he had been to Lithuania to have talks with club owner Vladimir Romanov and director Sergejus Fedotovas.

"I spoke with Mr Romanov and with Sergejus, and I'm very interested," he said. "I had an amazing time in Scotland and I hope the supporters would welcome me back. Hearts are a friendly club and it would be easy for me to fit back in.

"My last game was for the national team in June. I'm a free agent now - I rejected a contract offer from Larissa on 31 August because over the last few days before then I had contact with those other clubs.

"But I kept training with Larissa while talks were going on and my fitness levels are high. The only thing I need is match sharpness and I think I can get that back quickly."