Jefferies hopeful on Elliott move

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies hopes Republic of Ireland international Stephen Elliott will move to Tynecastle next week. The 26-year-old striker still has some paperwork to complete with Preston before any move can take place.But the Jambos boss is optimistic he will have Elliott in his squad by the time St Johnstone visit Tynecastle for the SPL opener next weekend."We're close to Stephen Elliott," Jefferies told the club's official website."That's a big help because if he can get the paperwork tidied up at Preston we can then sit down and try and work out the situation."We're very close to getting him but it will take until next week although I'd hope to get him into the team for next week."Everything is done with Preston on our side but on his side things need to be sorted out. You need to go through the usual procedures."This lad would take a big drop (in wages) to come to Scotland. The fact he knew Kevin Kyle and played with him at Sunderland helped."A lot of people have recommended him including Mick McCarthy and they think he could do a great turn. Hopefully we can get it tied up."He is in and around the box and sharp and when Kyle gets back there would be good competition for places."Jefferies was impressed by 20-year-old Cameroonian Jonathan Toto during the Metz Academy youngster's trial spell.He said: "He has scored six goals in three games. He did some daft things in the games but I think he's got something."He won't cost a fortune. He might take a wee bit of time to get it out but there's a bit of raw talent."Sometimes along the way you unearth a little gem. I think he's got something worth working on."It will be up to us to get that out of him. He might turn out to be a real find."

Source: Team_Talk