Islam Chesnokov to Hearts transfer truth as bombshell collapse claims met head on
Chesnokov has agreed a pre-contract to join the Tynecastle club after his deal at FC Tobol expires and will be registered in January
Islam Chesnokov's move to Hearts remains on despite reports in Kazakhstan claiming that the deal was on the verge of collapse.
The winger has penned a pre-contract agreement to join the Premiership leaders.
Chesnokov is due in Edinburgh next month and will have several weeks to acclimatise to life in the Scottish capital and with Derek McInnes' squad before being registered after the January transfer window opens.
The Jambos tried to do a deal to bring the wide man to Gorgie last winter, but couldn't agree a fee with FC Tobol and had to settle for landing the 25-year-old when his contract expires.
That was confirmed over the summer when again, attempts to speed up his arrival were knocked back with Tobol still involved in a title race.
Hearts' Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKinlay confirmed at the end of October: "I think we shouldn't forget we've already made a signing in Islam Chesnokov, who'll come in.
"He can't be registered until January, but he will join us for training purposes at the beginning of December, which I think is great and can allow him to get used to the surroundings, get used to Edinburgh, as we go into the lovely winter months.
"So that's a big thing for January."
But several reports in Kazakhstan have suggested the deal is set to be called off due to Chesnokov having second thoughts about the move, having been offered alternative lucrative deals from clubs in Kazakhstan and Russia.
A quote from his unnamed agent - who was previously listed as Yaroslav Zvarich - stated: "The contract with Hearts has not yet been signed and I am not yet ready to comment on the situation in further detail."
However, Record Sport understands that nothing has changed and the plan remains for Chesnokov to sign for Hearts.
The winger has 21 caps for Kazakhstan and scored nine goals and provided four assists in 25 league games for Tobol this season.
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