Liam Boyce has six months left on his current Burton deal. Pic: Getty

Hearts have submitted an improved offer for the Burton Albion striker Liam Boyce but face competition from four other British clubs.

Tynecastle Park officials will receive a six-figure sum after selling winger Jake Mulraney to Atlanta United and they are stepping up their attempts to sign Boyce, whose Albion contract expires this summer.

The Evening News revealed on Wednesday night that Hearts and Sunderland both had offers for the Northern Ireland internationalist refused. Other teams in England and Scotland remain determined to sign him before the January transfer window closes, although it is understood Sunderland's interest has cooled for now. However, Hearts are prepared to battle for a player highly regarded by manager Daniel Stendel.

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Burton paid a reported £500,000 when they beat Hearts and others to Boyce's signature in 2017. They are willing to sell him to the highest bidder this month and may accept £200,000 to £250,000 for a quick deal rather than lose the forward for nothing in June.