Hearts are hopeful of landing Brighton defender Odel Offiah on loan - but could face a fight to hang on to top scorer Lawrence Shankland.

Shankland has been the subject of enquiries from clubs in the English Championship and the cash-rich Saudi Pro League after catching the eye with a prolific run last season.

The 28-year-old netted an impressive 28 times in 47 appearances, including three goals in European football, to shake off a difficult spell in Belgium with Beerschot.

The Scotland cap opened the new campaign with goals against St Johnstone and Rosenborg before being frustrated in Saturday’s goalless draw with Kilmarnock.

The fact he has been handed the captain’s armband since Craig Gordon was ruled out with injury in December is a further indication of the former Aberdeen and Dundee United striker’s increasing maturity.

Shankland is contracted to Hearts until 2025 after penning a three-year deal last July and Hearts will not allow their talisman to depart unless they get a suitable offer.

It is understood the Jambos believe the free-scoring marksman can command a transfer fee in excess of £3 million.

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At present, no club has taken their interest beyond an initial approach but that could change as time ticks down in the transfer window - and with the Saudi deadline not coming until September 20.

Hearts have worked hard on strengthening their attacking options this summer, with the recent arrivals of Alex Lowry, Kenneth Vargas and Kyosuke Tagawa adding to the recruitment of Yutaro Oda in January.

But to lose Shankland would be a massive blow to their hopes of regaining their place as Scotland’s third force.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Hearts are in discussions with Brighton over a deal for Offiah.

The 20-year-old is the nephew of the legendary former rugby league player Martin Offiah and joined Brighton six years ago.

The defender made his Premier League debut last season in April’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest and has five first-team appearances to his name for the Seagulls.

He is seen as a versatile option for Hearts at centre-half and at right-back.

Former Hearts, Rangers and Scotland defender David Weir is technical director at Brighton and will be a friendly face during talks for the Tynecastle club, who previously took Alex Cochrane on loan from the Premier League outfit before signing him on a permanent deal.