Vrancken opens Devlin talks as Hearts fend off Rangers transfer interest

Wouter Vrancken has moved quickly to secure Cammy Devlin’s Hearts future, sending the midfielder a message to arrange talks now that his World Cup campaign with Australia has come to an end. The Jambos head coach confirmed the approach after Devlin’s Socceroos were knocked out on penalties by Egypt on Friday.

Devlin has emerged as a wanted man, with Rangers, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders, Chicago Fire and QPR all said to hold interest in the 27-year-old. Vrancken has previously made clear he wants to keep the combative midfielder at Tynecastle, and is keen to open discussions before the interest intensifies further.

“Yes, I’ve sent him a message now,” Vrancken said. “He’s out of the World Cup now. So maybe it’s a pity for him. I sent him a message, but I know the time difference. He played in Dallas, I think. So I sent him a message just to see when it’s possible for him that we can have a call somewhere. I’m waiting for the answer.”

Squad bonding pleases new boss

Hearts have returned from their pre-season training camp in Spain, and Vrancken says he has been encouraged by how his squad has come together both on and off the pitch. The Belgian, who took charge of the Jambos over the summer, believes team spirit is the foundation for everything else he wants to build.

“Yes, pleased because now you learn about the entire group. You know the personalities within the group,” Vrancken said. “We also had a quiz the other night, so there you can also see some dynamics, let’s call it like that. It’s nice to see, because you can see directly that the groups are really good together. Also, the new signings fit in well.”

He added: “This is actually the base. Team sports always start with a team, being a team on the pitch. Then it’s energy and then it’s tactics. These are the steps. I’m pleased when I see the guys connecting together off the pitch.”

Friendlies and Champions League qualifiers ahead

Hearts will play further friendlies against Livingston, Arbroath and Rayo Vallecano as they build towards their Champions League qualifying tie with Sturm Graz. Vrancken’s side also faced St Mirren during their trip to Spain, though the head coach admitted he would have liked more fixtures during the training camp.

“There was no possibility because the previous coach didn’t want to play on Saturday, I think, against River Plate, because of his reasons. Recuperation and stuff like that,” Vrancken explained. “I did want it, but at the moment River Plate was already playing in Portugal. St Mirren also had a game, otherwise, we could play two times against them.”

There was also an injury concern from the trip, with youngster Finlay Pollock suffering a hamstring problem that will be assessed once the squad returns to Edinburgh. “Yes, hamstring injury, but not in the same spot as last year,” Vrancken confirmed.