O'CONNOR'S OPEN TO JAMBOS SWITCH

FORMER Hibs striker Garry O'Connor admits he would be willing to sign for Hearts if he gets the green light to quit Lokomotiv Moscow.

The Scotland frontman is keen to quit Russia less than 12 months after his £1.6million switch from Easter Road. And O'Connor, who claims five English Premiership clubs are interested in him, insists Celtic, Rangers and Hearts are the only SPL teams he'd sign for.

He said: "I won't go back to Hibs. They don't have enough money. If I return to Scotland, we're talking about three clubs -Celtic, Rangers or Hearts."

Agent Gary Mackay flies out to Lokomotiv's pre-season training camp in Portugal today in an attempt to speed up a move.

O'Connor said: "I don't have all the details. All I know is that the possible options include five Premiership clubs.

"It's not out of the question that I'll go on loan somewhere for six months either."

Mackay said: "I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the situation.

"Garry has made it clear he doesn't want to return to Moscow and a few clubs down south have shown an interest.

"But first I want to clarify Garry's situation then I can clarify the situation for those clubs who are looking at him."

Former boss Tony Mowbray has given up on his bid for O'Connor after Lokomotiv Moscow told West Brom to cough up £3.9million.

However, he is ready to renew his bid to sign Hibs midfield pair Scott Brown and Kevin Thomson for £4million.

Talks between the clubs stalled earlier this month but Mowbray is still hoping to agree a deal with his old club.

Taken from the Daily Record