HEARTS are set to make an official bid for Motherwell striker Chris Porter in the next 24 hours.

Jambos boss Csaba Laszlo has admitted he is an admirer of the big English hitman who is the SPL's third-top scorer this season with eight goals.

And the Tynecastle club will speak to their Fir Park rivals about a fee for the 25-year-old ace this week.

Porter, who signed for the Steelmen for free from Oldham Athletic 18 months ago, is out of contract in the summer when he can leave for free.

And Well could decide to cash in on their prized asset during the January transfer window if the price is right.

Hearts gaffer Laszlo angered his Motherwell counterpart Mark McGhee last week before an SPL meeting between the two teams when he admitted he would like to sign Porter.

McGhee had the last laugh, though, as his team ran out comfortable 1-0 winners - thanks to a headed goal from his lanky front man.

Meanwhile, McGhee has insisted his team can beat Dundee United to third place if they win their SPL showdown with them this weekend.

He said: "If they beat us then we can forget about third place, but we still believe it is an achievable goal.

"Dundee United are playing well and quite rightly have taken a lot of plaudits for the way they have started the season.

"They have done well, have a good team and are well clear in third spot, but I still believe that player for player we are as good as Dundee United.

"We showed that earlier in the season when we battered them and should have won the match, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

"I believe we are now getting back to our best. This game is coming at the perfect time for us. It allows us to close the gap on teams above us."