Chesnokov's worth the wait, insists Hearts boss

DEREK McINNES has rubbished claims Islam Chesnokov's deal with Hearts is on the verge of collapse - insisting the winger will be well worth the wait for the league leaders.

- BY FRASER WILSON

Reports in Kazakhstan this week suggested the 25-year-old’s pre-contract agreement with the Jambos could fall through.

But McInnes expects Chesnokov to arrive in the capital next month and revealed he has a call with the player scheduled for next week to rubber stamp plans.

Chesnokov was one of the first names identified by Jamestown Analytics when Hearts began using Tony Bloom's renowned recruitment tool.