Former Aston Villa and Ayr United striker Brad Young is not a target for Heart of Midlothian.

It has been reported that Hearts are keeping an eye on the 21-year-old following his impressive form for Welsh Premier outfit The New Saints, netting 20 goals in 25 appearances.

Young moved to the club in the summer from his boyhood club Villa where he played once, in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool when the team were impacted by Covid. Last season he had a spell with Ayr United, scoring twice in 12 games. 

READ MORE: Macaulay Tait's Hearts journey: Summer camps, Lowland League, first-team role

Hearts have already secured the services of Yan Dhanda for next season on a pre-contract agreement. The Ross County playmaker will join the club in the summer. The Tynecastle Park club are also understood to be interested in Livingston's James Penrice. The versatile defender is out of contract at the end of the season. Many Premiership clubs are also keen.

Steven Naismith and Hearts have moved quickly to extend the contracts of a number of first-team stars. Liam Boyce, Aidan Denholm, Alan Forrest, Craig Gordon and Craig Halkett have all signed extensions. As has Macaulay Tait who became the latest to commit his future to the club on Friday. 

The club are keen to extend the contracts of both Beni Baningime and Lawrence Shankland. Chief executive, speaking earlier this month, expressed his confidence that the midfielder would sign a new deal, while talks with Shankland have been put on hold until later this year.

Meanwhile, the likes of Ethan Drysdale and goalkeepers Hary Stone and Liam McFarlane have also signed new deals.