Hearts face competition from England for McDonald

HEARTS face competition from Peter Grant's Norwich City should they opt to join in the bidding for Motherwell striker Scott McDonald.

Southend United are also interested in taking the striker to Roots Hall, although their £200,000 bid is believed to fall well short of Motherwell's valuation of the player.

The Australian is eager to play at a higher level and has admitted that he would be keen on a move to the Capital and both Hearts and Hibs have been credited with an interest in the recent past.

However, inquiries from the English Championship are now increasing with Norwich and Steve Tilson's Southend joining Wolves in monitoring McDonald.

The 23-year-old first expressed a desire to leave Fir Park at the end of last season, however Motherwell's valuation of their prize asset initially fended off any potential suitors and manager Maurice Malpas has sought to draw a line under the saga of McDonald's future.

But, on Tuesday, the player said: "I want to achieve more in my career and, if that means playing at a higher level, then so be it. And that is no disrespect to Motherwell. I love playing here and will give my all till someone says I have to leave."

The fresh interest from Norwich - who are also keen to take Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson south of the border - may alert Hearts and Hibs with the January transfer window about to open.

Meanwhile, Charlton's new manager Alan Pardew is ready to strengthen his squad by convincing former Hearts captain Steven Pressley to help them stay in the Barclays Premiership.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has already met with Pressley to discuss the possibility of a move to Parkhead and his need for a defender increased today with the news that Bobo Balde suffered a broken leg in Tuesday's draw with Dundee United.

Pardew will hold talks with Pressley in the next 24 hours and is hopeful of adding some much-needed leadership before the opening of the transfer window on January 1.

Pressley watched Charlton's 2-2 draw Fulham from the stands last night and is a free agent.

Pardew confirmed: "There is a good chance he will be at Charlton and he will be a good addition if we can secure him for nothing. We are interested in bringing him here before the transfer window.

He is a leader. We need characters and leadership and that's one thing that attracts me."

Taken from the Scotsman