Celtic fail in second Hartley bid

Paul Hartley has been impressive for Hearts this season

Hearts have rejected a second bid from Celtic for midfielder Paul Hartley.

The SPL champions upped their initial offer of £200,000 but the Hearts board were not impressed and the player appears set to stay at Tynecastle.

"Celtic came back with a marginally improved offer for Paul Hartley but it was not by much," said Hearts chairman George Foulkes.

"It is really an insult and they have been given a resounding and unanimous 'no' by the Hearts board."

The news will disappoint Hartley, who submitted a written transfer request to Hearts in an attempt to win a move to Celtic.

But Foulkes was adamant Hearts wanted to hold on to their best players.

"Paul's request for a transfer may have changed the set of circumstances but Hearts want an end to the saga," he added.

"Hearts have a vital CIS Cup semi-final against Motherwell on Tuesday and we hope Paul will be fit to take his place in the team.

"I'm sure once this is all settled and Paul knows he's staying at Hearts he will give 100% commitment to the club.

"I am confident Paul Hartley will remain a Hearts player once the transfer deadline has come and gone."

28-year-old Hartley has enjoyed a wonderful season for Hearts, netting 13 times during the campaign.

He has 18 months of his current deal still to run and was linked with Leicester and Crystal Palace recently.

And the player admitted he was in a quandary over the situation last week.

"I'm fairly happy at Hearts, but I've had a chat with the manager and he was really fair with me," said Hartley.

"He wants to be a top manager and I want to be a top player, but it's a difficult position I'm in.

"But Celtic don't come calling everyday and if you get the chance then it's something you've got to think about."