Andy Webster is mulling over a return to Tynecastle

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies hopes defender Andy Webster will reject a move to England in favour of a return to Tynecastle.

Webster - who played for Hearts for a five-year spell until 2006 - is a free agent after being released by Scottish Premier League rivals Rangers.

"We plan to have a discussion with him this afternoon," said Jefferies.

"Two or three clubs have been chasing him. He's had offers from clubs in Scotland and England."

Jefferies added: "We've thrown our hat into the ring. We noted our interest when we heard he was going to be available on loan.

"We'll wait and see what happens."

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Dundee United may also be interested in Webster, who performed well for them on loan last season.

The Tannadice club rejected a proposed swap for the defender on Monday, with Rangers keen on taking winger Craig Conway to Ibrox.

Webster left Tynecastle under a cloud when he became the first European player to use a legal loophole to serve notice of his intention to leave the club at the end of the third year of a four-year contract.

But Jefferies added: "It's not about what happened in the past, it's about the future.

"He's a quality player who would improve us. If we are fortunate enough to get him back here he'll be a good signing and the owner recognises that."

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