Levein keen to tie Ikpeazu to new Hearts deal

Craig Levein hopes Uche Ikpeazu will become the latest Hearts player to commit his future to Tynecastle. Levein has already handed out new deals to skipper Christophe Berra and fellow defenders John Souttar and Michael Smith, while he hopes to secure key men Steven Naismith and Arnaud Djoum on fresh terms before their current arrangements expire at the end of this term.

Now he is targeting an extension for former Cambridge hitman Ikpeazu, who signed a two-year contract when he made his Gorgie switch in the summer.

The powerhouse frontman made his return from a four-month lay-off following a foot operation against Livingston on Wednesday, but manager Levein saw enough from the 23-year-old during his sensational first few months in Edinburgh to decide he could become a vital figure for years to come.

Yeah we're working on that,'' confirmed Levein.I'm speaking to his agent about this now. I'll give you some news when I have some news.''

Asked if he was any further forward on the two deals for Naismith and Djoum, the Gorgie boss added: I'm still working on everything else.

Because I've chosen to make contract extension offers at this time, it doesn't mean that people are going to sign. There are negotiations that have to happen and other factors that have to be taken into account.

As soon as we have any news we'll announce it.''

Ikpeazu will step up his recovery when he starts against Auchinleck Talbot in Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup last 16 tie.

The Junior minnows caused the shock of the fourth round when they dumped high-flying Ladbrokes Championship side Ayr from the competition and Levein is taking nothing for granted as he guards against another upset.

He said: I'm looking forward to the game. It's an unusual match obviously to be pitched in against someone from Junior football. Having played Junior football myself a long time ago I know there's a lot of good players at that level.

I watched them against Petershill last week but Petershill had a man sent off which spoiled the game a bit as Auchinleck didn't really get tested defensively.

I can take more from the Ayr game, which I've watched twice now.

We're not taking the game lightly. Our team line-up will be strong.

They could grow in belief and tension could spread to the stands if we don't move the ball quickly enough.

We're quite a level above them but they are a team who are used to winning every week in their league, a team who find ways to win every week. That's dangerous, so speed of the ball and how quickly we attack will be important.

I'm really pleased to have Uche back and if the other night against Livingston is any indication, then he will take off again from where he left off before his injury.'