Liverpool have given permission for striker Neil Mellor to speak to Hearts about a move north of the border, according to the player's agent Mick McGuire. Mellor, who scored in the reserves' 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Monday night, has had knee surgery and has not played for the first team since their infamous third-round FA Cup exit to Burnley almost a year ago. His name has been linked with the SPL side for a number of weeks, but it appears the situation has now moved on. "Hearts are very interested in Neil and they have spoken to Liverpool about him," said McGuire. "I spoke to (chief executive) Rick Parry, and Liverpool have given Neil permission to speak to Hearts about a potential move. "Neil is keeping an open mind on his future and he is happy to go up and talk to Hearts. "There has been interest from several other clubs, and Neil is weighing up his options. He is not ruling out staying at Liverpool, because he still has a contract there."