Accused of not looking at the domestic market, here are some options the Jambos could consider
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Michael Stewart’s critique of Hearts’ recruiting process appears to have connected with the team’s supporters.
The former captain of Tynecastle, who has previously criticized both Celtic and Rangers, charged that the team was overlooking potential that already existed in the Scottish leagues and could perform better than some of the players they have bought from abroad.Stewart expressed worries about the team’s current coach, Steven Naismith, and the direction they are going, but he also claimed that hiring new players hasn’t made a difference.
Supporters have responded in agreement, expressing a want to see more Scottish players signed. In their quest to get the best bargains possible, the Jambos have added two players from Japan and numerous players from Australia’s A-League.
It’s important to keep in mind that teams that sign players directly from other Scottish teams may pay a premium because they don’t want to sell to league rivals and will instead look to receive a little bit more money to cushion the blow. It is frequently necessary to wait until a target’s contract expires, which can be challenging because English clubs may also decide to make a move.
A contestant’s £100,000 box was unveiled.
Having said that, there are a number of Scottish players who COULD help the Hearts team; here are just a few to consider.
Armstrong Danny (Kilmarnock)
a guy who has frequently been singled out by Hearts supporters when they face Killie, and he performed admirably against Celtic yesterday.
This season, the Ayrshire men have generated 56 chances because to the outstanding play of the winger, who has also assisted on five goals and scored three.
It’s not a one-time thing either; he’s been doing it regularly for the past season and a half in the Premiership and in the second division prior to that.
Killie would be difficult to deal with for a divisional competitor and a price would be necessary, but come summer, he will only have one year remaining on his contract.
Date of contract: May 2025
Value on transfer: £725k
In St. Mirren, Ryan Strain
Three factors make this one appear quite likely: 1. He has an expiring contract in the summer; 2. Hearts need a right-back; 3. He’s from Australia.
A January raid would be seriously doubtful given Strain’s present injury, which will keep him out for three months. However, the Jambos may speak with Strain about a summer move. If that’s what they chose to do, it could be necessary to lend money to someone else to cover the shortfall until then.
Outside of the Old Firm, Strain has likely been the best right-back in the league. Although Nathaniel Atkinson has outperformed him for an Australian match, the Buddies player has performed better at home.
Valid until: May of 2024
Value on transfer: £685k
Cameron Lyall (Dundee)
The Jambos had previously been connected to Cameron. The little midfielder scores and assists goals for his team and possesses technical skill, craft, and guile.
Even though his returns to the top flight haven’t been as strong as they were in the Championship the previous season, he is still a vital member of a team that has been performing well above its weight.
He has also been a key member of the Scotland under-21 team, occasionally starting ahead of Alex Lowry, a loanee from Hearts.
Date of contract: May 2025
Value on Transfermarkt: £320,000
Lewis Mayo (Kilmarnock)
Derek McInnes has built a side which is very strong at the back and the former Rangers youngster has been a big part of that.
Has also shown his versatility by playing at right-back and centre half, although wouldn’t really be the style Hearts would be looking for to fill the void on the right.
Another who shone in the win over Celtic yesterday.
Contracted until: May 2026
Transfermarkt value: £427k
Stuart Findlay (Kilmarnock)
Another one that could be realistic in that Findlay is only on loan at Killie from Oxford United.
There were also previous links to both Hearts and Hibs during his first spell at Rugby Park, with the defender instead opting to take the plunge and try out MLS with Philadelphia Union.
He didn’t play much but got his career back on track in League One down south before a change of manager meant he no longer fit with the plans. Now showing himself once again to be a good Scottish Premiership defender.
Contracted until: June 2026 (with Oxford, on loan at Kilmarnock until May 2024)
Transfermarkt value: £385k
Robbie Deas (Kilmarnock)
You could actually pick out any one of Killie’s three main defenders…so we have!
Deas was the standout centre back in the Championship and there was surprise it took so long for a top flight side to swoop.
Killie are benefiting from being the ones who took the plunge as he carried on his form since making the switch. A big part of the early season wins over the Old Firm and again yesterday.
Contracted until: May 2025
Transfermarkt value: £470k
Keanu Baccus (St Mirren)
Along with Strain, his fellow Aussie has been a cut above for St Mirren, currently ahead of Hearts in the table.
Has attracted attention from England and has stated he would love to try it out down there after a move to Bolton collapsed last summer.
You’d think he could get a better club than that, in the Championship perhaps, but if nothing materialises then teams like Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen should be looking.
Contracted until: May 2024
Transfermarkt value: £727k
Yan Dhanda (Ross County)
The creative midfielder is another who has been on the lips of Hearts fans.
Even though he appeared to be stifled at times under Malky Mackay, played quite deep and sometimes benched, you could see there was a player there.
Scored his only goal of the season since Derek Adams took over and will be looking to carry on that form – if he does calls for his signing will only grow.
Contracted until: May 2024
Transfermarkt value: £684k
Mika Biereth (Motherwell)
The Arsenal loanee has struggled with injuries in his short time at Fir Park (insert joke about fitting in at Hearts) but that hasn’t stopped him looking electric when he has played.
The Danish striker has scored five goals in nine games for the Steelmen, some of which were off the bench, and looks a real rounded threat as a centre forward.
He has pace and powerful running as well as being strong and good in the air and can certainly finish too.
On loan at Motherwell until the end of the season, at which point the Jambos could try and steal in and offer another year in the Premieership, or maybe even a permanent transfer.
Contracted until: On loan at Motherwell until May 2024, Arsenal details unknown
Transfermarkt value: £556k
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