(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 25 May 2026 12:06, UK

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Hearts have tabled a bid believed to be worth around £750,000 to sign York City defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old has attracted interest from a number of League One sides including newly-relegated Oxford United and has no shortage of suitors this summer.

However, Hearts have moved quickly as they aim to beat rivals to his signature, with a substantial bid hoped to be enough to convince York City to sell.

The Minstermen won the National League in dramatic fashion this season and are now preparing for life in League Two ahead of a busy transfer window.

While they hope to keep their best players including Fagan-Walcott at the club long-term, Hearts are keen to test their resolve with a strong opening bid.

Why are Hearts moving to sign Malachi Fagan-Walcott?

Football Insider was first to reveal in 2024 that Fagan-Walcott had agreed to join York City from Cardiff City after impressing in an initial loan spell at the club.

Following their promotion to League Two, the centre-back was asked about his future and he confessed that he had spoken to his agent about his future at the club.

He explained that his current ambition is to improve and step up the football pyramid, with the focus currently on next season, while York hold a special place in his heart.

Malachi-Walcott played a crucial role in winning the National League, with his performances contributing to his side having the best defensive record in the division.

Hearts are one of a number of clubs who have been impressed by what they saw, and could offer the chance to play in Europe next season after finishing second in Scotland.

What next for Hearts ahead of busy transfer window?

After finishing second after a dramatic final-day defeat against Celtic, Hearts are now making plans to bolster their squad to compete again next season.

Fagan-Walcott is not the only player who could make a permanent move to Tynecastle, as Football Insider revealed Hearts want to sign Marc Leonard from Birmingham.

The midfielder spent the second half of the season on loan and played a key role in Derek McInnes’ side mounting a serious bid to win the Premiership.

Hearts are hopeful of holding talks with Birmingham over a permanent move as they hope to keep him at the club beyond the end of the season.

However, they will face extensive competition for his signature as he has also emerged as a target for Celtic and multiple clubs in the football league.