PARTICK THISTLE are in advanced talks over a new training base that will see them relocate ahead of the Premiership kick-off this summer.

SportTimes understands the Jags are close to an agreement to use the Garscube Sports Complex in Glasgow, with discussions between the two parties ongoing as a deal edges closer to being signed.

The Complex, located just a few miles from Thistle's Firhill home at the West of Scotland Science Park, has been used in recent years by Kilmarnock.

But after Allan Johnston's side decided to quit Glasgow and train at Rugby Park each day, with work ongoing to install a synthetic pitch at their Ayrshire home, Thistle are set to secure the use of Garscube from next season.

The Thistle first team and youth squads currently use a variety of venues across Glasgow to train each day, departing from and returning to Firhill after each session.

But they are now set to have a permanent base as talks continue to finalise a deal for their Garscube switch.

The Complex has six grass pitches and two all-weather surfaces as well as an exercise studio and fitness suite and will become Thistle's hub for all training activities.

Alan Archibald's side return to pre-season action on June 27 and the Jags boss has added two more players to his squad ahead of the big kick-off.

Thistle will spend a week at a training camp in Spain and will play English Championship side Brighton, now coached by former Liverpool star Sami Hyypia, on Saturday, July 12, before returning home to complete their friendly schedule.

And forward duo Christie Elliott and Chris Duggan will both be involved after penning new Jags deals.

Elliott was a useful squad member for Thistle last term while youngster Duggan spent time on loan at Forfar after a superb scoring run for the Jags' Under-20s.