Hearts splash cash for Kingston

HEARTS have completed the signing of Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston from Russian outfit Terek Grozny, in a deal that will keep him at Tynecastle until 2010.

"I've signed for three and a half years, though I cannot disclose the details of the contract," confirmed the 26-year-old internationalist, who can operate in central or right midfield.

Reports in Ghana suggest he will be on £15,000 per week which would make him the club's second highest earner behind Craig Gordon

"I like what I have seen here in Scotland, and I am very happy to have signed for Hearts," said Kingston.

"I want Hearts to win the Scottish League and I hope with support from my team-mates we can do it. I am also happy to join some of my mates in the UK and hope things move on well for me."

"I also had the chance to sign for Bolton before, but the player who they wanted me to replace, didn't leave in the end."

Kingston, who was also previously linked to Fulham and Newcastle United, spent last season on loan with Lokomotiv Moscow, as a team-mate of Garry O'Connor. He has enjoyed a colourful career that has also seen him play for clubs in Israel, Libya and Saudi Arabia. Back in his native country, he once turned out for the Tynecastle side's African namesakes, Hearts of Oak, who hail from the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

Having tied up Kingston, Hearts must now decided whether they wish to pursue their interest in Gogita Gogua, the Georgia international midfielder who is registered with Russian side Spartak Nalchik.

Valdas Ivanauskas, the Tynecastle head coach, travelled to Moscow after watching his side beat Falkirk in the Bank of Scotland Premierleague on Saturday and seemed confident of bringing the 23-year-old to Edinburgh.

"There is progress with Gogua," Ivanauskas said. "When the contract is signed or we have more details I can explain more, but we have made progress.

"This should be finished in the next few days, I am confident of that."

However, Hearts are unlikely to tie up the capture of Serbia midfielder Ognjen Koroman, who is on loan at Portsmouth from Terek Grozny. Ivanauskas said: "There is a big question over him. It's not money but I don't want to say exactly what the situation is."

Hearts have also been boosted by the news that goalkeeper Gordon is set to return for Saturday's crucial clash with Rangers. The sought-after Scotland international missed the win over Falkirk due to a niggling groin strain that he sustained in the first half of their defeat to Celtic one week earlier.

Steve Banks deputised between the sticks for the 24 year-old and contributed to the victory with a clean sheet.

Gordon, who was the subject of a failed £2.5 million bid from Fulham last week, trained with the rest of his team-mates on Friday but Ivanauskas opted against playing him in fear of seeing the player aggravate the injury.

The Edinburgh-born player came through yesterday's session at the club's Riccarton academy unscathed.

Meanwhile, Livingston have been told they will have to fork out £50,000 if they want to land Hearts striker Jamie Mole on loan.

The Tynecastle side are demanding the youngster is insured for £2 million and the Lions would have to pay that sum as a premium for the six-months he would be with the club. The move is now in danger of foundering with club chairman Pearse Flynn reluctant to write a cheque for £50,000 for an insurance premium.

Surprisingly, Mole started the Tynecastle club's 1-0 victory over Falkirk at the weekend. Two unnamed SPL clubs are also keeping tabs on Mole's situation.

Taken from the Scotsman