Everton midfielder Beni Baningime is the subject of strong interest from Hearts in Scotland.

The 22-year-old is not with the club on their pre-season trip to Florida, as he seeks pastures new this summer.

Baningime is in the final year of his contract with the Toffees, while Hearts are hoping to secure him permanently.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Premier League 2 title winner may have caught the eye of former Everton fan favorite Steven Naismith.

The latter is now the Hearts' Football Development Manager, and the Toffees' connection could see Baningime joining him in the coming weeks.