Oxford United's Chris Hackett is Edinburgh-bound - but it's to Hearts not their Bank of Scotland Scottish Premier League rivals Hibern- ian.

The 23-year-old right winger is set to move to Tynecastle to link up again with former U's boss Graham Rix.

Hearts have made an offer for the player, and it's understood Hackett has agreed to go, following talks with Hearts officials.

The U's are in negotiations about the fee. But it's believed that, even if the clubs can't agree on the price and he doesn't go during the January transfer window, he would then sign a pre-contract agreement on March 1 - his 24th birthday - to join Hearts in the summer, when his contract at the Kassam Stadium expires.

Rix was a big admirer of Hackett's pace and crossing ability when he was the Oxford United manager.

It will be a big step up for Hackett to move to a club that are trying to challenge Celtic's dominance of Scottish football.

However, it is an opportunity that's too good to turn down for the Sandford-on-Thames speed merchant.

Hearts were leading the Premier League before Rix arrived, but after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Kilmarnock, they are ten points adrift of Gordon Strachan's men - though they're still seven points ahead of Rangers.

Last week Hibs were on Hackett's trail, but the player said he couldn't focus on any move north of the border until everything was signed, sealed and delivered.

"That's not in my thoughts at the moment," he declared before United's Coca-Cola League Two game against Darlington at the weekend.

"I m getting on with playing for Oxford United and will do so until I am told different.

"From what I understand, the ball is in Oxford's court at the moment, so I can't do anything other than continue to do my best for Oxford United."