Last Updated: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:24
Falkirk captain Darren Barr has signed a pre-contract agreement with Hearts after snubbing interest from Aberdeen.
Barr was in the last six months of his current contract at the Falkirk Stadium and was free to speak to other clubs with several interested.
However, he has chosen the Jambos ahead of the Dons and will team up with the Dons for the start of the 2010-11 campaign.
"Naturally I am pleased to have sorted out the next stage of my career and glad to end the speculation," the 24-year-old said.
"While I am looking forward to making the move my immediate priority is, as captain of Falkirk, to lead them away from the relegation zone in the SPL.
"I have enjoyed my time at Falkirk, and while there was an option for me to leave in this transfer window, I have always stated I was happy to see out the remainder of my contract and the season with the club."
Barr added: "I want to leave on the best of terms with everyone at the Falkirk Stadium and keeping the club in the top flight will go a long way to guaranteeing that.
"But it goes without saying that I am thrilled with the prospect of joining Hearts, who I believe, will give me the best opportunities going forward."