Midfielder Black, from Tranent, is a lifelong fan of Hearts
Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder Ian Black has signed a pre-contract agreement to join his boyhood heroes Hearts at the end of this season.
"I am naturally delighted to be joining Hearts," the 23-year-old told the Edinburgh club's website.
"My main focus will be working hard to establish myself in Hearts' midfield."
The former Tynecastle ballboy, whose father also played for Hearts, added: "I have spoken to Csaba Laszlo and I am looking forward to the future."
Hearts manager Laszlo was delighted at capturing Black and insisted that Tynecastle is a place where players can develop their talent.
"Ian is an excellent example of our aim to bring the best young Scottish players to Hearts in order that both the club and the players will grow," said Laszlo.
The Hearts chance is one in a million, a great opportunity - one that I could not knock back
Inverness Caley Thistle midfielder Ian Black
"We will continue to identify and assess young Scottish players and we will target those that are keen to truly develop their full potential.
"Hearts will be a club that will deliver real rewards for the best young players in the country.
"As can be seen by the wealth of interest in some of our current home-developed players, we're a club that will allow young Scottish players to flourish, providing their attitude and ambition matches that of this club."
Black signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2004 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers.
"I have enjoyed every minute of the time I've had up here with Inverness. There are people behind the scenes that have looked after me very well and I've learned a lot," said Black.
"But the Hearts chance is one in a million, a great opportunity - one that I could not knock back."
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