HEARTS are in the market for a striker this January, according to a report.
New boss Neil Critchley is preparing for his first transfer window as boss of the Jambos.
Lawrence Shankland is in the final six months of his contract at Hearts[/caption]
New head coach Neil Critchley is on the lookout for a new striker in January[/caption]
And it’s believed he’s put a new forward high on his list of priorities.
According to the Edinburgh Evening News, the club want to add a player with pace as well as a goal threat, and they are assessing options both in Britain and abroad.
Tynie skipper Lawrence Shankland is heading into the final six months of his contract and the Scotland international can sign a pre-contract with another team once the window opens.
Such a move could also force the club’s hand if Shankland pushes to leave there and then, if they want to receive any form of fee for him.
Costa Rican attacker Kenneth Vargas also dropped a bombshell last week when he criticised the standard of football in Scotland and said he’d ALREADY had discussions with Gorgie chiefs about moving on.
Liam Boyce, James Wilson and Musa Drammeh are among Critchley’s other options but only Wilson has hit the net this season (twice).
Shankland has of course struggled in front of goal this term with just one strike from 18 appearances.
Vargas has scored twice in 19 games.
As well as Shankland, Boyce and Wilson are in the final year of their deals at Tynecastle.
But the club are understood to be keen to extend Wilson’s contract.
Meanwhile, it’s being reported that Aussie defender Kye Rowles is attracting some transfer interest.
The 26-year-old, who joined Hearts in 2022, is another player in the last year of his contract.
He’s been a regular since arriving in Edinburgh, racking up 91 appearances thus far.
Elsewhere, there is more injury concern for Philippe Clement and Rangers after defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo was forced off the pitch in tears whilst on international duty with Netherlands Under-21s.
The Feyenoord loanee went down holding his knee in a non-contact incident and it’s feared he might not play again this year – therefore effectively ending his Ibrox stint earlier than planned.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
