Heart of Midlothian

With Islam Chesnokov and Jordi Altena already added, we asked you what other business Hearts should do in the January window.

Here's what some of you said:

Ken: We have needed a creative midfielder for years. Ageu has been unfit for months and it may be time to look elsewhere

Michael: The inbound players are shoring up a weak right flank for us, which is great news. But we need to get some players off the books too, we have a big squad and still have plenty of cover across all positions this season if four or five players were to go. Save on the wage bill now to improve the kitty for the summer transfers.

Steve: Chesnokov could be the biggest thing since Rudi Skacel if the hype is to be believed and could solve a problem area for us on the right. Ideally Blair Spittal, Zander Clark, Ryan Fulton, Alan Forrest, Sander Kartum, Jamie McCart and Elton Kabangu move on with a loan move for James Wilson a must. Need to trim the squad and focus in for the biggest months in decades as a Jambo.

Bradley: I feel we need to strengthen central midfield. Cammy Devlin is good at what he does but we need someone who can create and do the dirty work. We really could do with a Callum Slattery style player, creative and dangerous edge of the box. Spittal has that threat but hasn't got the pace.

Ian: A goalscoring midfielder. I do worry about the hamstring injuries we're getting. Our record buy still being out is not a good sign.

Jim: I am happy with Hearts' January business so far but would like to see a left-sided experienced striker and another experienced left-sided creative midfield player.

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Macedonian side FK Vardar say they have rejected a bid from Hearts for Kassim Rogers Mato this month and do not want to sell the Uganda winger.

The 22-year-old, who has 39 caps and started all three of Uganda's matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, has scored 15 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for his club this season.

Vardar are top of the Macedonian First League and keen to keep Mato as they bid to win their first title in six years.

In a statement translated from Macedonian, the club said: "FK Vardar received an offer to sell player Kassim Rogers Mato from the Scottish team Hearts, in the amount of 350,000 euros, which was rejected without hesitation.

"The management and coaching staff of FK Vardar aim to win both titles in the Macedonian championship, as well as a more convincing performance in the next European competitions.

"So there was almost no thought about selling the top scorer in the league with 12 goals scored in the past half-season.

"Kassim Rogers Mato is fully recovered from the injury [fractured foot], due to which he was absent from several matches, and we expect him in full form at the beginning of the second part of the 1.MFL season."

Premiership leaders Hearts have already signed Dutch right-back Jordi Altena and Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov this month, but manager Derek McInnes said on Wednesday he could still add players who bring "something a bit different".

Image source, Getty Images

Hearts want to sign Uganda winger Rogers Mato, the 22-year-old who plays for FK Vardar in Macedonia's top tier. (Hearts Standard - subscription required), external

Vardar have rejected an initial offer of £300,000 from Hearts for Rogers Mato, with several other clubs across Europe interested in the winger. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hearts have received transfer enquiries for Scotland goalkeeper Zander Clark from at least two clubs in England's League One and are open to a deal this month. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Stuart Findlay has a place in Scotland's World Cup squad in his sights after agreeing a pre-contract to make his Hearts stay permanent.

The former Kilmarnock defender moved to Tynecastle on loan from Oxford United in the summer and will join on a two-year deal come the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has one senior cap - in a 6-0 victory over San Marino in 2019 in which the centre-back scored one goal and set up another - and previously worked with Scotland manager Steve Clarke at Rugby Park.

"I think every professional football player, until the day they retire, wants to play for their country," Findlay said.

"It's the highest honour you can get in a game. I understand how well the national team is doing just now.

"I know the manager well, obviously from my time at Kilmarnock. Again, there's no surprise to me how well he's done.

"Me, as a Scotland supporter watching, I trust him implicitly to pick the squad that he thinks is the best."

The defender's prospects of an international recall have been by boosted by his form in helping Hearts to the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

"For me, the biggest thing for me this season was doing well at Hearts," he added.

"Being able to achieve a two-year contract with Hearts, that was the main goal for me and I'm delighted to do that.

"I want to make sure I keep performing for Hearts. It's the aim that's put the faith in me and anything that comes off the back of that, of course, it'd be a massive bonus and it'd be great to be involved in.

"But, yeah, just make sure that I look ahead, make sure I do the job for the club that's trusting me and then whatever comes after that, we'll wait and see."

League leaders Hearts have already been busy in January, securing the long-anticipated signing of Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov and Dutch right-back Jordi Altena.

Altena made an instant impact on his debut, providing an assist in Hearts' 1-0 victory over Livingston.

In the outgoings department, Costa Rican forward Kenneth Vargas has gone on loan again, this time to Alajuelense in his homeland.

Are you happy with Hearts January business so far? Would you like to see further additions? And which positions need strengthened?

Send us your thoughts here.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's trip to Dundee.

Here are the main points:

• McInnes is delighted to have Islam Chesnokov finally signed and "in the building" and knows there's been "much anticipation" around the Kazakhstan winger's arrival but insists they "just want to let him play" and settle in.

• The Hearts boss will have a discussion with Chernokov before deciding whether to include him in the squad for Dundee, adding: "Obviously he's coming from a different part of the world, a different league, but it's clear he's got a real handle on us as a team and what's expected of him."

• With Hearts having also added Jordi Altena this month, McInnes feels the bulk of transfer business has been done and says he already has "the best striker in the league" in Lawrence Shankland, but would like to add "those support players that can maybe help us".

• He adds: "We're still mindful, we've still got a few weeks, we can still react to injuries and things. But I feel as though we're in a decent place with the squad at the minute."

• There is interest from English clubs in goalkeeper Zander Clark, as sporting director Graeme Jones told the boss "he had a couple of calls from teams down south" but McInnes adds "it was no more than that".

• After Stuart Findlay agreed a two-year deal to join permanently in the summer, McInnes stresses the importance of a "core of Scottish players" in the squad.

• And he suggested players like Findlay, Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley and Harry Milne could all be on Steve Clarke's radar for the World Cup this summer.

• On the title race, McInnes says Hearts are probably exceeding fans' expectations by topping the table, but are "comfortable" setting the pace.

• He adds: "We're exactly where we want to be. We've been top of the league now for over three months. This isn't just a little run of form, it isn't just a little spell. It's something more than that."

• Oisin McEntee will miss the next "two to three weeks" with a groin injury. Ageu and Calem Nieuwenhof are training but will not feature this weekend. Pierre Landry Kabore should be back from Afcon on Friday and available for the weekend.

Image source, SNS

Derek McInnes says it made "perfect sense" to sign Stuart Findlay on a permanent deal at Hearts after his impressive impact on loan.

The 30-year-old centre-back, a Premiership ever-present this season with 20 appearances and four goals, will officially become a Hearts player on a two-year contract in the summer when his Oxford United deal expires.

"Stuart has been every inch the Hearts player I expected him to be when he came in during the summer," manager McInnes told the Hearts website.

"He's been part of a successful defence and he's a danger in opposition boxes, and he is the type of character you want around the dressing room.

"He loves it here and wants to be part of something special, so it made perfect sense to take advantage of his contract expiring down south and get his future sorted with Hearts."

Hearts midfielder Oisin McEntee, 25, is expected to miss four weeks with a groin issue. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, Getty Images

Derek McInnes says the "very talented" Islam Chesnokov is "raring to get started" after the right winger finally completed his protracted move to Hearts.

The Kazakhstan international agreed a pre-contract in the summer and, after fleeting suggestions that the deal might falter, has now completed his move from FC Tobol in his homeland and signed a deal until 2028.

Chesnokov, 26, has scored an average of a goal every three games in the past three years and earned 22 caps for Kazakhstan, scoring three times.

"I'm really pleased that Islam is here, he's a Hearts player and he's raring to get started," McInnes said.

"Our desire to bring Islam in has been well documented and sometimes these things take a bit of time, but the dialogue between myself, the club and Islam has always been there.

"There was never any panic and everyone involved deserves a lot of credit for making it happen.

"He's a very talented player and a good boy, and we think he can come in and help the team. We're in a good place and we'll do everything we can to enable Islam to be a success at Hearts."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon isn't letting a lack of game-time prevent him having an influence on Hearts' title charge.

The 43-year-old Scotland international has yet to make an appearance this season for Derek McInnes' side, who hold a six-point lead over Celtic and Rangers after 20 matches.

But Gordon, previously a five-time title winner with Celtic, is putting his vast experience to use.

"I can use my voice in the changing room." he told BBC Scotland.

"I have done so on a few occasions to try and help the team when it has been needed.

"That is the role at the moment. I'm not out on the pitch, so if there's anything that I can do in the dressing room, then yes, I'll say it if I feel it needs said. And just to try and help everybody to go on and be successful.

"You get a little bit jealous of the boys going out there and the wins that they've had already this season. It's been really good to watch.

"It would be even better to play in. Hopefully, between now and the end of the season, I get to do that."

Gordon says the use of Jamestown Analytics for Hearts' recruitment has helped take the quality of McInnes' squad to the "next level".

"I think there's always been good players at Hearts," he added. "Definitely in attacking areas, we've certainly added players that have got a bit of trickery or can score goals and if you add them to any team, you're going to make them better and that's definitely what's happened.

"We had a decent base of a team and now we've added a little bit extra quality that's really taking the team on to the next level."

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

It's surreal looking at the Premiership table to see Hearts top with a six-point cushion over the Old Firm in January.

There's lots to be happy about for Jambos, however last Saturday's nail-biting 1-0 win over Livingston highlights how tough the next five months will be.

With Hearts having to grind out victory in the final half hour, and reverting to a 5-4-1 with 10 minutes left, I genuinely feared another Kilmarnock scenario and dropping points to the worst side in our league.

Had that 95th-minute header from Livi's Robbie Muirhead gone either side of Alexander Schwolow, the lingering festive goodwill would have quickly evaporated from Gorgie.

I know I'm being hyper critical and Derek McInnes himself even said 1-0 margins are sometimes enough, but I hope we learn something from a close call.

We are approaching the critical period of the campaign and things are so tense, Celtic have dispensed with yet another manager and the wily Martin O'Neill is back at the helm.

The mind games from O'Neill will soon start about our title credentials and Rangers supporters will be backing their boss Danny Rohl to now finish top of the pack.

The winner of this league will have to absorb and overcome the psychological battle that will play out and I think we absolutely can do it.

One of the aces up our sleeve is Jamestown Analytics and our use of it to strengthen in the January transfer window.

We've already seen encouraging signs from new right-back Jordi Altena, and much-fabled Kazakhstan right winger Islam Chesnokov has finally arrived on Scottish soil after a year-long pursuit.

Getting fringe players out this window will be key, but I wonder if we may bring in another first-team starter.

I would be looking for a powerhouse striker – something I've said for about three years – to alternate with Claudio Braga, who looks like he needs a spell on the bench after a dip in form again.

Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, has "not had any interest" from potential suitors. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov's move from Tobol to Hearts is nearing completion after the 26-year-old was granted a visa. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has had his say on the sacking of Wilfried Nancy.

The 43-year-old is currently in his second spell at Hearts but spent six years at Parkhead.

The Tynecastle club now sit six points clear of both Celtic and Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

"It's a results business. It's never nice to see anybody lose their job," Gordon told BBC Scotland. "But from our point of view, it doesn't change anything.

"We'll just concentrate on ourselves and that's all from a Hearts point of view that we'll be focusing on.

"I think whoever comes in, you know the size of Celtic. It's a huge club. They expect to win almost every single match.

"And when that doesn't happen, it's not an enjoyable place to be. For them, it's about starting again. For us, it's just about concentrating on what we've got to do.

"We won't be looking at anybody else outside of our own. We've got a big job to do and that's all we'll focus on."

Image source, SNS

Craig Halkett (Hearts): Should Hearts be considered favourites for the title now? Six points clear and they keep churning out the three points.

What a huge part Halkett is playing in this. Solid at the back and scored the only goal of the game against Livingston to bring his tally for the season to an impressive six.

Watch Sportscene pundits Steven Naismith and Peter Grant discuss the psychological aspect of Hearts leading the Scottish Premiership table.

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Watch highlights as Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts extend their advantage at the top with a narrow win over bottom side Livingston.

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Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jordi Altena says "it was a dream" to have made a winning debut for Hearts on Saturday less than a year since playing amateur football back in his Dutch homeland.

The 22-year-old right-back made an instant impact, providing the deep cross that set up Craig Halkett to head the only goal against Livingston as Hearts went six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

"I couldn't even dream about a day like this, so I'm really happy," Altena told BBC Scotland.

"I think the first moment, when the game was about to start, the fans were chanting and it gave me like, you know, the, how do you call it in Scotland? Goosebumps?".

Altena came through the youth ranks with Vitesse Arnhem but had made only two appearances for the senior side before moving to De Treffers in the Dutch third tier in 2024.

He won a move to Waalwijk in the division above last summer, with Hearts moving for his services after just 23 appearances in which he scored four times and provided eight assists for the mid-table side.

Altena explained that he had been happy at Waalwijk, but his performances attracted interest from Hearts and other clubs.

"I didn't even talk to the other clubs," he revealed. "When Hearts came, it was a beautiful chance for me and I couldn't say no."

Altena admitted he did not know much about Hearts previously but was impressed by videos he was sent of the stadium, their games and Edinburgh.

"Not many of my people could tell me something about Hearts, but they could about the city," he said. "And they said it's an amazing city and you're going to love it here.

"The gaffer gave me a really good feeling and the club itself when I talked to them. So I think that was the main thing."

After being handed an immediate starting place in a table-topping side, and "an assist and a win" on "a great debut", Altena admitted it is "a crazy start" and "I can't wait for the upcoming games".

On Atlena's debut, Hearts boss Derek McInnes said: "Jordi did well. I thought his touch was so pure, lovely feet.

"For a debut, it's not always easy, he's only had a few days training with us, but I think you can see he's a very good technical player, very confident with his work."

We asked for your thoughts after Hearts extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a nervy win over bottom side Livingston.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Gordon: Three points is the bottom line but the second-half performance was awful, we were stuck in this endless sideways passing movement from the back and the ball needs to be going forward much faster if we're to use the speed we have in the wide areas.

David: To bounce back after last week's derby defeat was a must. Some questions however - 17 shots and only three on target is a concern, as is allowing Livi back into the game in the second half. Also why take so long to freshen things up in attack? Why is Elton Kabangu so obviously out of favour? Expect a tough game at Dundee next week.

John: Great first half, should have been out of sight. Thought our new right-back Jordi Altena was very comfortable. Onwards and upwards.

Peter: Nerves shredded in the lead-up to the final whistle but a very welcome three points and a first half of slick play that should have brought more goals. We must learn to smother teams early in the second half when we know they will fight back. Keep possession and frustrate them while hitting on the counter attack for 15 minutes, or run at them and tear them apart, one or the other, but not anything in between. Livingston are strong and we did well. Altena looks very good and his crosses were superb. Craig Halkett will agree with that and his own header was sublime. Well done to all!

Frank: In the first half we were streets ahead but it was just one of those days when all the breaks went to the opposition. If we repeat the first-half performance over 90 minutes in the future someone is going to lose by a cricket score.

New Hearts signing Islam Chesnokov missed watching Saturday's 1-0 victory over Livingston because his flight was delayed from Amsterdam, but head coach Derek McInnes says the 26-year-old winger is now in Scotland and will go through his visa application process on Monday as he completes his move from Tobol. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hearts have confirmed the launch of their new talent strategy, "The Hearts Way", which will run in conjunction with the Jamestown Analytics scouting system and aims to support the club's young players through the boys and girls' academy, professional development phase and senior squads. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.