Scottish legend forecasts a third major Hearts player leaving for Rangers this summer.

Former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan believes Hearts may have to prepare themselves for the possibility of losing another important player to Rangers this summer, with midfielder Cammy Devlin emerging as a name to watch closely.

The Australian international finds himself at the centre of growing speculation regarding his future as he enters the final stages of his contract at Tynecastle. With his current deal nearing its conclusion, uncertainty continues to surround where the energetic midfielder will be playing his football next season.

At present, Devlin is away with the Australian national team, representing the Socceroos on World Cup duty. As a result, discussions regarding his long-term future have been placed on hold until the international tournament comes to an end. Once Australia’s campaign is over, a clearer picture is expected to emerge regarding the next step in the midfielder’s career.

Hearts remain hopeful that they can convince the 27-year-old to remain in Edinburgh and are continuing negotiations over a possible contract extension. Club officials value Devlin highly and are eager to keep one of their most influential players at Tynecastle.

However, retaining his services may prove difficult given the growing level of interest from elsewhere.

Several clubs have already been linked with the midfielder, particularly from Major League Soccer in the United States. Reports suggest that Real Salt Lake currently lead the race for his signature should he decide to leave Hearts when his contract expires.

The Utah-based side are believed to be monitoring the situation closely and could make a formal move once Devlin’s international commitments are completed.

Real Salt Lake are not the only MLS club showing an interest. Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders have also been credited with keeping tabs on the midfielder’s availability as they assess potential additions to their squads.

The prospect of a move to the United States may appeal to Devlin, offering a fresh challenge in a growing league while potentially providing attractive financial incentives.

Despite that interest from overseas, Gordon Strachan believes another destination could emerge as a serious possibility before the transfer window closes.

The former Celtic, Scotland and Middlesbrough manager has suggested that Rangers manager Derek McInnes could yet become involved in the pursuit of the Hearts midfielder.

According to Strachan, Devlin possesses qualities that would make him an attractive option for Rangers as McInnes continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

McInnes has already been linked with several players as he begins his tenure at Ibrox, and Strachan believes Devlin could fit the profile of the type of footballer the Rangers boss is looking to recruit.

The suggestion will undoubtedly concern Hearts supporters, particularly given the movement of players between the two clubs in recent months.

Rangers have already benefited from Hearts departures, and the possibility of losing another key figure to a direct domestic rival would be difficult for many supporters to accept.

Devlin has become a hugely popular figure among the Hearts fanbase since arriving at the club. His relentless work ethic, commitment and competitive nature have earned him admiration from supporters and teammates alike.

Over the course of his time at Tynecastle, he has established himself as one of the most dependable performers in the squad. Whether deployed in defensive midfield or a more advanced role, Devlin has consistently delivered energy, intensity and determination.

Those qualities have made him a vital part of Hearts’ midfield and a player many fans would be reluctant to see leave.

Speaking to Play UK, Strachan identified Devlin as the player Hearts supporters should be most concerned about losing this summer.

The former Scotland boss praised the Australian’s contribution to the club and highlighted the importance of his influence within the team.

Strachan suggested that Devlin has been outstanding for Hearts and acknowledged that supporters would be disappointed if he decided to move on.

At the same time, he recognised that the midfielder faces an important decision regarding the next stage of his career.

According to Strachan, Devlin must decide whether he wants to continue his development at Hearts or challenge himself in a different environment.

For many professional footballers, opportunities to move to larger clubs or different leagues can be difficult to ignore, particularly when they believe they are entering the prime years of their careers.

The attraction of testing himself at a higher level may ultimately prove decisive if substantial interest materialises from clubs capable of offering European football, larger budgets or different competitive opportunities.

Strachan also pointed to another factor that could influence Devlin’s thinking during his time away with Australia.

He noted that international tournaments often provide players with the opportunity to speak to teammates and opponents about experiences at different clubs and in different leagues.

Such conversations can sometimes encourage footballers to explore new opportunities they may not previously have considered.

Strachan suggested that Hearts could find themselves vulnerable in situations like this because players attending major tournaments are naturally exposed to different perspectives and possibilities.

Hearing positive stories from fellow internationals about life elsewhere can occasionally influence future career decisions.

For that reason, he believes Hearts may have reason to be concerned while Devlin remains away with the national team.

The midfielder’s performances for Australia continue to raise his profile on the international stage, while ongoing contract uncertainty ensures speculation surrounding his future is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

From Hearts’ perspective, securing a new agreement remains the preferred outcome. Keeping Devlin at Tynecastle would provide stability within the squad and ensure they retain one of their most experienced and influential midfielders.

However, with MLS clubs circling and Rangers potentially monitoring developments, the situation remains far from straightforward.

As the summer transfer window progresses, supporters will be watching closely to see whether Devlin commits his future to Hearts or decides the time has come for a new challenge.

While no decision has yet been made, Gordon Strachan’s comments have added another layer of intrigue to an already developing transfer story.

For now, Hearts can only continue negotiations and hope that one of their most important players chooses to remain in Edinburgh.

But with interest growing from both sides of the Atlantic and the possibility of Rangers entering the picture, the battle to keep Cammy Devlin could become one of the club’s biggest challenges of the summer.