Kevin Nisbet on Hearts transfer radar as Lawrence Shankland alternatives eyed and McInnes makes admission
The Jambos are desperately trying to get their captain tied down on a new contract but might be forced to look elsewhere
Derek McInnes insists a decision from Lawrence Shankland on his Hearts future is now a matter of urgency - with the Jambos keeping tabs on Kevin Nisbet as a potential alternative.
Gorgie captain Shanks is out of contract at Tynecastle and is yet to accept a new deal as he also considers other options available to him, with West Brom and two Saudi Pro League teams keen.
McInnes, who hosts former club Aberdeen in a mouthwatering Monday night clash for his first Premiership game in charge, believes Hearts is still Shankland's best bet but admits a decision needs to be made "sooner rather than later.'
And if they fail in a bid to convince Shankland to remain in Gorgie, then his Scotland team-mate - and ex-Hibs man – Nisbet is under consideration.
Nisbet has returned to Millwall following his Scottish Cup-winning loan spell at Aberdeen last season. The 28-year-old is going into the final year of his deal at the New Den as Alex Neil assesses his future.
McInnes is a long-time admirer of Nisbet and is keeping an eye on his situation in south London as Shankland talks continue.
On Shankland, the Hearts boss told Sky Sports: 'I'm in constant dialogue with Lawrence, spoke to his agents as well several times through the last few weeks but Lawrence has obviously got a lot to consider.
"We think we're a really strong option for him, whether we're the best option in Lawrence's eyes we've got to wait and see but there'll come a point really that we need to draw a line under it and Lawrence has got to look at looking after him and I've got to look after Hearts.
"Hopefully we can find a solution because he is a player that I think can really thrive with us at Hearts. He's shown in the time here how important he is and you try and not let players like that leave the door without putting up the best fight you can and we're in the fight for him.
"I believe we're a really strong option for Lawrence, I believe we're the best option for him at this moment, he's got the World Cup to try and get involved in at the end of next season.
'There are loads of reasons why Lawrence could see this as a good option for him. Hopefully as I say we're his best option and at the minute we're in the fight to keep him.
"I always feel deadlines are not always healthy and sometimes can be a bit antagonistic but there's been enough conversations with Lawrence.
"There'll come a point where he has to move on and try and secure his future and likewise I need to make sure that we secure our squad going forward but we're not at that stage yet, but sooner rather than later really to try and get that resolved because I want clarity in what I'm dealing with and I'm sure Lawrence is wanting clarity on his future as well.'
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