Copil heads for Hearts

Hearts look to have won the race to sign Romanian teenager Dumitru Copil after proposing a longer contract than Celtic were prepared to offer.

The 16-year-old Atletico Arad midfield prospect is poised to clinch a transfer to Tynecastle after agreeing terms with the Bank of Scotland Premier League club.

Rather than move to table-topping Celtic, Copil has opted for the challenge of Hearts, with agent Adrian Stefanescu confirming: “He has decided to sign for Hearts because of the long-term stability they have offered in terms of a contract.”

Hearts have not yet confirmed the deal is done, however reports claim Copil will sign a two-year contract with the option of a long-term extension.

Celtic were prepared to pay higher wages, but over a shorter timescale, according to Copil’s agent.

Stefanescu told The Scotsman: “Celtic offered a contract which financially was better and it was the hardest thing Dumitru has had to do to tell (Celtic head of youth) Tommy Burns he would not be going to Celtic.”