Sam Nicholson is on his way to the States. Pic: TSPL

The 22-year-old winger rejected the offer of a new deal from the Edinburgh club in order to embark on a fresh challenge following a decade at Tynecastle and three-and-a-half years as a first-team regular.

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After being impressed by what Minnesota had to offer when he visited the club earlier this month, Nicholson has decided to continue his career in America. Once putting the finishing touches to his transfer, he will fly to Minnesota imminently to join up with his new team, who are half-way through their season in MLS’s Western Conference.

The Hearts academy graduate, who was initially keen to move to England, had been linked with a host of British clubs, with Rangers interested when previous manager Mark Warburton was in charge. The fact he has joined an American club means Hearts will not receive any compensation, but Nicholson has requested that a sell-on clause be inserted to his contract which means his boyhood club will benefit should Minnesota cash in on him in future.