Steven Naismith excited as Hearts confirm James Penrice transfer capture

Hearts have confirmed James Penrice as the club's first summer transfer capture.

The defender has penned a three-year deal at Tynecastle after leaving Livingston following the expiry of his contract. Penrice, 25, is one of three SPFL talents expected to check into Gorgie over the coming days, with Ross County's Yan Dhanda and Motherwell's Blair Spittal also understood to have agreed pre-contracts.

Penrice will join a familiar face in ex-Livi star Alan Forrest at the Jambos after a three stint at Almondvale. The ex-East Fife and Partick Thistle star racked up almost a century of appearances with the relegated Lions and Steven Naismith is thrilled to add his experience to the squad.

The Jam Tarts boss said: "We’re delighted to get James signed up. He’s someone who knows the domestic game well and has had to work really hard to get to where he is today. James has bags of talent, he’s got a great engine and he’s going to provide us with options.

"He’ll be an asset for us and he’s at a great age where there’s even more to come. We can develop him further and help him to reach new levels."