LIVINGSTON’S influential midfielder Burton O’Brien is expected to reject the advances of Hearts in favour of Leicester City after being offered the chance to treble his salary by moving to the Walkers Stadium.
O’Brien’s contract at Almondvale expires at the end of the season and the Tynecastle club have already approached the player, and his team-mate David McNamee, about a move to the capital.
However, with Craig Levein continuing to plunder the SPL from his new Midlands base, O’Brien is understood to prefer another opportunity to prove himself in England after an ill-fated spell at Blackburn earlier in his career.
The 24-year-old, whose £900 a week basic wage makes him Livingston’s highest-paid player, has been offered three times that by Leicester if he signs a pre-contract agreement.
A source close to the player said last night: "Craig Levein is the favourite to sign Burton because going down south is his preferred option, and he has been offered good money in comparison to what he earns at Livingston.
"Hearts are keen on him, but moving to Leicester would have its advantages for him if he can establish himself in the side."
O’Brien has emerged as a key player for Livingston this season and, as his international career with South Africa is about to begin, he feels the standard of the English game would enhance his development as a player.
Prior to yesterday’s match with Inverness, O’Brien was Livingston’s top league goalscorer with five goals.
McNamee has also spoken to Hearts, who are reported to have made a £60,000 bid for the defender, but, following the well-documented off-the-field uncertainty in his time with Livingston, is understood to be holding off until the situation at Tynecastle stabilises.
