Hearts have made an exclusive £750,000 bid to sign the promotion-winning defender in England.

Heart of Midlothian have reportedly submitted an offer worth around £750,000 in an attempt to sign Malachi Fagan-Walcott from York City ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sources have indicated that the Scottish side are eager to move quickly in the race for the highly-rated defender, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after players outside the top divisions following an impressive campaign with York City.

The 24-year-old centre-back has attracted attention from several clubs in England, particularly from teams in League One. Among the clubs credited with interest are newly relegated Oxford United, while other sides are also believed to be monitoring his situation closely.

Despite the growing competition for his signature, Hearts have decided to act decisively by lodging a substantial opening bid in the hope of securing an early advantage over rival clubs.

The Tynecastle outfit are understood to believe their offer could be enough to persuade York City to consider a sale, even though the National League champions are eager to retain many of their key players heading into next season.

York City Preparing For Life In League Two

York City enjoyed a remarkable campaign as they secured promotion from the National League in dramatic fashion, earning a return to the Football League after a hugely successful season.

The Minstermen are now preparing for life in EFL League Two and are expected to face a busy summer transfer period as they look to strengthen their squad while also resisting interest in several important players.

Fagan-Walcott is viewed internally as one of the club’s most valuable assets after playing a major role in York’s promotion-winning campaign. As a result, there is a strong desire within the club to keep him as part of their long-term plans.

However, Hearts appear determined to test York’s resolve by making an ambitious offer early in the window. The Scottish side believe the defender possesses the qualities needed to strengthen their squad immediately as they prepare for another demanding season domestically and in Europe.

Fagan-Walcott’s Impressive Rise Since Cardiff Departure

Interest in Fagan-Walcott has continued to grow steadily ever since his move from Cardiff City to York City.

Football Insider previously revealed in 2024 that the defender had agreed to join York permanently after impressing during an earlier loan spell with the club. His performances quickly convinced York that he was capable of becoming a key figure in their squad moving forward.

Since then, the centre-back has developed into one of the standout defenders in the National League, establishing himself as an essential part of York’s success.

Following the club’s promotion to League Two, Fagan-Walcott was asked publicly about his future and admitted he had already discussed the situation with his representatives.

The defender acknowledged that he remains ambitious about progressing further in his career and continuing to climb the football pyramid. At the same time, he also made it clear that York City remains a club very close to his heart after the role they played in helping him revive and develop his career.

Those comments inevitably increased speculation surrounding his future, especially given the growing number of clubs now monitoring his progress.

Outstanding Defensive Performances Attracted Major Attention

Fagan-Walcott’s performances during the 2025/26 campaign were among the biggest reasons for York City’s success.

The defender made 37 appearances across all competitions, starting 33 matches and accumulating 2,916 minutes of football throughout the season. Remarkably for a centre-back, he also contributed eight goals, highlighting his ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Beyond the statistics, his influence on York’s defensive structure proved crucial. The club finished the season with the best defensive record in the National League, and Fagan-Walcott’s consistency, physicality, and composure were central to that achievement.

His displays have clearly impressed a wide range of clubs, including Hearts, who now appear ready to make a significant investment in order to secure his signature.

For the Edinburgh side, the attraction is obvious. Fagan-Walcott combines physical strength with athleticism and has already shown he can thrive under pressure in competitive environments.

At 24 years old, he also fits the profile of a player capable of continuing to improve while potentially carrying substantial resale value in the future.

European Football Could Help Hearts Win The Race

One factor that may strengthen Hearts’ position in negotiations is the opportunity to offer European football next season.

After finishing second in the Scottish Premiership following a dramatic title race with Celtic, Hearts are preparing for another campaign that will include continental competition.

The chance to test himself in Europe could prove extremely appealing to Fagan-Walcott as he considers the next stage of his career.

While League One clubs in England may offer familiarity and competitive football, Hearts can potentially provide a bigger platform along with exposure at a higher level of the game.

The Scottish club are therefore hopeful that both their ambitious project and the possibility of European football can help convince the defender to choose Tynecastle over rival destinations.

Hearts Planning Busy Summer Under Derek McInnes

Following an impressive campaign, Hearts are now actively planning how to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.

Although they narrowly missed out on the league title after a dramatic final-day defeat against Celtic, the club’s performances under Derek McInnes have raised expectations considerably.

The Tynecastle hierarchy are eager to ensure the squad remains competitive both domestically and in Europe, which is why recruitment is expected to play a major role throughout the summer window.

Fagan-Walcott is viewed as one of several players capable of improving the team immediately while also fitting the long-term direction of the club.

However, he is not the only transfer target currently being pursued by Hearts.

Marc Leonard Also A Key Target For Hearts

Reports have also revealed that Hearts are interested in signing Marc Leonard permanently from Birmingham City.

The midfielder spent the second half of the season on loan at Tynecastle and became an important figure in McInnes’ side as they mounted a serious challenge for the Premiership title.

Leonard’s energy, technical ability, and composure in midfield reportedly impressed the Hearts coaching staff, leading the club to explore the possibility of turning his temporary spell into a permanent deal.

Hearts are expected to hold discussions with Birmingham regarding a transfer, as they hope to retain the midfielder beyond the end of the campaign.

However, securing Leonard’s signature may prove difficult due to growing interest from elsewhere. Both Celtic and several clubs within the English football pyramid are also believed to be monitoring the player closely ahead of the transfer window.

That means Hearts could face strong competition on multiple fronts this summer as they attempt to strengthen their squad with ambitious signings capable of keeping the club among Scotland’s top teams.

With moves for both Fagan-Walcott and Leonard developing, Hearts appear determined to build on last season’s progress and position themselves for another major push in the coming campaign.