Hearts have knocked back an offer from Cypriot First Division outfit Pafos FC for youngster Anthony McDonald, Herald and Times Sport understands.

The winger was offered a two-year deal by the club but Jambos hierarchy rejected a deal for the player.

It comes despite Hearts signing three players in the same position with the new season on the horizon.

Josh Ginnelly and Jordan Roberts have recently signed on at Tynecastle from Preston and Ipswich respectively while Elliot Frear joined on a free transfer. Which would seemingly make it difficult for McDonald to break into the first-team under Robbie Neilson.

However it is understood the manager wants to cast an eye on the 19-year-old further and has therefore knocked the offer back.

McDonald was born in Limassol, Cyprus, and is believed to have family still living there, which could have made a transition easier for the player.

Playing time has been hard to come by for McDonald at Hearts after making his debut aged just 16. He has made 25 appearances in three years, including 16 from the bench. He has also spent time on loan at Inverness and Dunfermline Athletic.

Pafos, meanwhile, have a UK-contingent within their ranks already including former Aston Villa striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and ex-Crystal Palace star Jason Puncheon. Will Mannion, formerly of Hull City and Welshman Jack Evans also stars for the Cypriots, on loan from Swansea.