CHES PIECE READY TO FALL INTO PLACE

Del excited by firepower new man will provide despite claims Islam move could just be a damp squib

- BY FRASER WILSON

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.

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

McInnes was hopeful the Kazakhstan international would be in the door in the last window but the unbeaten Jambos have still managed to storm a sensational nine points clear without him after the first round of fixtures.

Chesnokov has remained in his homeland to see out the season with FC Tobol where he has nine goals and four assists in 25 games this season.

And McInnes says the player - and his agents - are looking forward to concluding the deal despite an unnamed source claiming otherwise in his homeland.

The Jambos boss said: “I don't know where that’s come from. I can guess... but nothing has changed for us.