Hearts are set to add striker Craig Beattie to their squad but the former Celtic player is not expected to be in the squad to face Motherwell on Saturday.

STV understands that the 28-year old is in talks with the Tynecastle club and will hold further discussions with manager Paulo Sergio on Friday.

However, it is unlikely that registration would be completed in time for this weekend’s game.

Beattie is a free agent after agreeing a mutual termination of contract with Swansea City in January.

The Scotland cap was linked with several clubs, with English Championship side Millwall thought to be keen on a move. Kilmarnock held talks with the player but Rugby Park manager Kenny Shiels said on Thursday that he was surprised to be told that Beattie had chosen a different option.

"I actually just lost out on Craig Beattie today,” Shiels said.

"I thought we were going to get him, I felt he was coming to make his debut at Ibrox on Saturday.

"But I have lost out to another SPL club although I don't know who it is."