Rangers have reportedly made a number of bid for the Hearts striker.
Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu has been quoted by Sky Sports as saying that he wants teammate Kyle Lafferty to remain on Tyneside, despite being linked with a move to former side Rangers.
Powerful summer signing Ikpeazu set up Lafferty’s goal on Saturday, as the ex-Ibrox star slammed home an excellent left-footed effort into the bottom corner on the volley to beat Celtic 1-0 at Tynecastle.
Lafferty, 30, is believed to be keen on a move to Ibrox, but Hearts have rejected an offer of £200,000 for the Northern Ireland international. They value the striker at £750,000, with less than 12 months remaining on his contract.
Speaking ahead of Hearts’ Scottish League Cup second round clash against Dunfermline Athletic, Ikpeazu stated that he does not know where Lafferty will be come August 31, but hope he remains with Craig Levein’s side.
“He’s a character,” Ikpeazu said. “Off the pitch as well, he’s a big player. Last season he scored 19 goals. He’s a great player for the team. I don’t deal with all the speculation and stuff.
“But what I do know is that he is a good player. It’s great to have him here, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but if he stays that’ll be good. We’ll just have to wait and see, it’s not in my hands.”
Jam Tarts boss Levein confirmed earlier on during Thursday’s press conference that Rangers remain in talks with Hearts over a move for Lafferty, who would be in direct competition with Alfredo Morelos and Umar Sadiq at Ibrox.
There has even been talk of including ostracised defender Lee Wallace in a deal to sign Lafferty, with left-back Wallace joining Rangers from Hearts.
Rangers remain in the market despite Gerrard bringing in 11 new players this summer, including one of Lafferty’s former teammates in the form of goalkeeper Allan McGregor from Hull City.
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