BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Hearts are among a number of clubs keeping tabs on highly-rated Livingston youngster Matthew Knox.
The striker made his Lions debut as a late substitute in the 4-1 Boxing Day victory at St Mirren, just four days after turning 16.
Knox has come through the club’s youth system and signed a two-and-a-half year professional contract on his birthday.
Hearts are well aware of Knox’s potential, as are other Premiership clubs, including Dundee United.
But with Livingston said to be looking for an up front fee of around £150,000, plus adds on amounting to nearly £1 million, it appears that Knox is likely to end up in England if he keeps progressing.
The youngster has already trained with Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham, while both Manchester clubs and Chelsea are believed to be tracking his progress.
Knox actually featured for the Championship strugglers during pre-season matches against Stenhousemuir and Real Sociedad and has been an unused substitute in recent defeats to Falkirk and Queen of the South.
Livingston striker Liam Buchanan, who was replaced by Knox against the Buddies, is in no doubt that his fellow marksman has the talent to reach the very top of the game.
Buchanan said: “He’s got massive potential. He’s been in training with us for the last couple of months and you could tell right away that he’s a decent player.
“He’s good with the ball at his feet and he if keeps doing the right things then I’m sure he will move on to bigger things at some point.
“As one of the older guys you try to pass down bits of advice that have maybe been passed down to yourself over the years.
“But he’s come in and been great, and I’m sure he’ll go on to big things.”
