GARY LOCKE admits the signing of Steven Naismith would be ‘massive’ for Hearts if a deal can be done to secure his services this summer.

The striker spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Tynecastle after finding himself out of favour at Norwich.

Naismith scored four goals in 16 outings for Craig Levein’s side and the Gorgie boss is keen to bring him back to Edinburgh ahead of the new campaign.

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The 31-year-old still has a season to run on his Carrow Road deal but appears to have no future with the Championship club.

And Tynecastle ambassador Locke would love to see him back in maroon.

He said: “I think it would be massive. Obviously I know Steven well, I played with him at Kilmarnock, a fantastic professional and a fantastic guy as well, he has a great will to win and look at the clubs he has played with as well.

“I think that speaks volumes of Steven as a player and a person. Craig is obviously keen to keep him, I think that will depend a lot on what Norwich want to do and what Steven wants to do as well.

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“If you watch him on the park, how he plays, he is constantly talking, telling people where to go, what to do, those kind of people are worth their weight in gold. If we can sign people of his quality then that would stand us in good stead.

“Obviously I see them all with my role at the club and speak to all of them, I know he enjoyed it so that is a great start for us.

“I know towards the ends of the season he was getting back to the player I know he can be. More importantly it is great for Craig, because he is getting a top notch player.”