Dundee United have expressed an interest in signing Hearts attacker Ryan Stevenson, STV has learned.

Stevenson has not played for Paulo Sergio’s side since December 17 and has told the club that he is not available for selection. The midfielder has made it clear that he wants a new club and may be sold this month.

Dundee United manager Peter Houston has identified Stevenson as an ideal signing and could move to sign the player after he missed out on Dougie Imrie, who moved to St Mirren.

Hearts knocked back a £20,000 bid from Crawley Town for the player earlier this month and would look for a higher figure to allow Stevenson to move.

Should United fail to land the player before the transfer deadline on January 31, they could move to offer the player a pre-contract deal.

Stevenson’s current contract ends in the summer, at which point he could sign for any club without Hearts receiving a fee.