Ex-Gillingham midfielder Sean Clare has joined Scottish Premiership club Hearts on a three-year deal.

Clare was linked with Premier League new boys Fulham along with Championship teams Aston Villa, Leeds and Swansea after rejecting a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday in the summer.

But the 21-year-old has moved north of the border to join Hearts and was in the crowd for their 1-0 win over Motherwell yesterday.

Clare spent the first half of last season on loan at Gillingham, making 26 appearances.

Manager Steve Lovell had been desperate to get him back in the January transfer window.

"We have to wait and see what happens there, it is one which we are working on," he said at the time.

“We are trying everything, all parties concerned, to keep him here.

"That is high up on the agenda of what needs to be done.

"We are doing everything we can do get it done."

Gills hopes were raised after Clare said he was gutted to be leaving Priestfield but Wednesday blocked a return.

“Thanks to the gaffer for believing in me and helping my development as a player and a person and thanks to the chairman for his support," said Clare in a farewell message to Gills supporters.

“Playing so many games has meant I’ve learnt so much and I am gutted to be leaving.

“Thank-you to the fans for making me feel so welcome.”