 Marius Zaliukas shows off his new Hearts colours |
Hearts have completed the signing of Lithuania midfielder Marius Zaliukas on loan from Kaunas. The 22-year-old could now go straight into the squad to face Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.
Zaliukas, who is in the Lithuania squad to face Moldova in Chisinau on Wednesday, played for Hearts in the pre-season friendly against Osasuna.
Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas hopes he is the first of three new signings before the transfer deadline.
Hearts have also been linked with Benfica defender Tiago Gomes, who is 20.
Zaliukas is viewed as cover for Julien Brellier, who has missed recent games through injury and illness, in a midfield holding role.
Ivanauskas told the Edinburgh Evening News: "Zaliukas has signed on loan and he gives us options because he can play defensive midfield and also centre-back.
"It is important that our players can play different positions in the team.
"We have the chance to sign two more players, so it is possible others could arrive.
"We are waiting to hear whether these transfers can go ahead as they are not 100% yet. These two players are options for us.
"We are talking right now with their clubs and maybe it will take more time, but they know we are interested."
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