Hearts announce signing of Uche Ikpeazu on pre-contract

Hearts have announced the signing of striker Uche Ikpeazu on a pre-contract deal.

The Cambridge man has signed a two-year deal with the Jambos after previously rejecting a new contract and will join up with the club in July.

Ikpeazu, 23, has impressed in Sky Bet League Two this season with 13 goals and is manager Craig Levein's second attacking signing already ahead of the new season.

It was announced earlier in the week that experienced St Johnstone striker Steven MacLean would also be joining, while Ikpeazu adds further strength to the attacking options after Isma Goncalves and Cole Stockton left during the January transfer window.

The futures of Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith remain to be seen, with the Northern Ireland striker linked with a move away during the previous window, while Naismith remains on a temporary deal until the summer.

Speaking to HeartsTV, the Jambos' new man said: I'm delighted to be here. It's good to get it wrapped up and done, and I'm looking forward to being a Hearts player next season.

Playing football in England, I didn't know much about Scottish football to be honest. But I did know that Hearts is a big club.

When I came to the stadium and I saw it for myself, it was crazy. I'm sure they get loads of fans...18,000 every game...that's some big attendances and I'm looking forward to playing in front of them.

That's what attracted me, and having a manager in Craig who really wanted to work with me, I feel that's the most important thing to feel wanted, and that's the way I felt.'