Hearts miss out as summer target completes move away from Scotland

Robbie Neilson had been hoping to bring the Kilmarnock centre-back to Tynecastle this summer with his contract at Rugby Park set to expire.

But Union swooped in with a six-figure fee to sign the player outright. Once Kilmarnock accepted it was up to the 25-year-old and he decided his future lay with the reigning MLS Cup holders rather than staying in Scotland.

He said: “It’s a life changing move for me, my fiancée and my family with a new way of life and at this stage of my career this was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.

“I wanted to end my time with Kilmarnock in the best way possible and I’m pleased the club will benefit financially from me moving on before my contract expires. It’s a move that is right for all parties and I’m glad that the fans have been understanding about everything.

“To be able to share some of the moments and goals that I’ve scored with the fans – it’s impossible not to hold the club dear to your heart. I’ll miss the football, the supporters and the people around the club who I’ve shared these great years with.”

Kilmarnock’s head of football operations James Fowler added: “We didn’t want to lose Stuart but with his contract expiring in a few months, it is a good deal for the club and presents Stuart with a new and exciting challenge in his career.”

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