The 30-year-old Scot has been a standout in the high-flying Hearts team, scoring 3 goals in all competitions. Yet his current contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End are both keeping tabs on Hearts centre-back Craig Halkett, whose contract at Tynecastle is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season 👀
READ: https://t.co/BfIyhDrYBA#Rovers #PNEFC #WatfordFC
— Football League World (@FootballLeagueW) November 19, 2025
An Experienced Head In Defence
Craig Halkett has become a mainstay in the defence of Heart of Midlothian. Born in Kirkintilloch he came through Rangers’ youth system before gaining experience on loan at Clyde and Berwick Rangers.
In 2016, Halkett joined Livingston, where he matured into a leader. He played a key role in their promotion from Scottish League One and eventually captained the side, making well over 100 appearances and scoring a number of goals.
His performances earned him a move to Hearts in June 2019, where he signed a 3-year deal. Since arriving at Tynecastle, Halkett has combined rugged defending with leadership. He has shown his aerial strength, reliability, and ability to contribute to important goals.
In January last year, he committed his future to the club by signing a new deal until the summer of 2026. He has battled back from a serious knee injury that ruled him out for a season, proving resilience and dedication.
Craig Halkett. pic.twitter.com/SbYdt37MAq
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) October 4, 2025
He recently admitted he’s “happy to be back fit,” and sees the tail end of the season as an opportunity for impact. With his leadership, recovery, and long-term contract, Halkett is now central to Hearts’ ambitions of winning the Scottish Premiership and remains one of the most trusted figures in their defence.
Which Club Really Needs Him?
Halkett has reportedly drawn interest from several English Championship clubs, most notably Watford, with rumours also linking him to Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End.
Watford appears to be the most serious suitor. Manager Javi Gracia is said to admire Halkett’s leadership, aerial strength and consistency, qualities that could bring experience to a youthful Hornets back‑line. Given that Halkett’s contract at Hearts expires in summer 2026, Watford could snap him up on a free, making him a relatively low‑risk but high‑value target for defensive reinforcement.
By contrast, links to Blackburn Rovers and Preston are much less concrete. At present, no reliable reports suggest Rovers or Preston have made formal inquiries. However, if their interest is genuine, both clubs could benefit: Blackburn, aiming for stability and to continue their rebuild under Valarien Ismael, would value Halkett’s experience and leadership. Meanwhile, Preston might see him as a seasoned defender who can help solidify their back‑line and mentor younger centre-backs.
For Halkett, any of these moves would represent a logical step into English football, but Watford looks most compelling given the alignment of need, his contract situation, and the potential for a free transfer. That said, Hearts reportedly want to keep him, and have held talks over a new deal as they appreciate his growing importance to their title‑challenging ambitions.
🚨 Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End have joined the clubs monitoring Hearts defender Craig Halkett.
Scouts from both sides watching him several times this season.
– Ben Wignall#BRFC | #Rovers | #PNEFC pic.twitter.com/udG0DVD3N0
— RoversXtra (@RoversXtra) November 19, 2025
