Hughes left Rangers to join Leicester in January 2005

The English Championship side have accepted a �50,000 bid and the player is now in talks at Tynecastle to agree personal terms.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Foxes from Rangers in January 2005, was placed on the transfer list in May.

Leicester boss Martin Allen said: "We have accepted an offer of �50,000 from Hearts for Stephen Hughes."

Allen became boss at the Walkers Stadium in May and Hughes is not part of his future plans.

Hughes has made 69 appearances for Leicester in all competitions and scored seven goals.