Hearts have reportedly made a major breakthrough in their quest to sign IFK Värnamo defender Michael Steinwender.
The Jambos have been relentless in their January transfer window business this month having already signed two players to beef up their ranks.
Striker Elton Kabangu joined on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise until the end of the season, while left-sided defender Jamie McCart signed a permanent deal after leaving Rotherham.
McCart adds much-needed cover for the injured pair Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley, but centre-back Kye Rowles is expected to leave for DC United in a £600k deal.
Hearts have been pro-active, however, and it emerged on Monday that they had entered into transfer talks with Swedish outfit IFK Värnamo for Steinwender.
Hearts close to signing defender Michael Steinwender
Steinwender is wanted as a replacement for Rowles – and a report from the Daily Record now states that Hearts have agreed a fee for the 24-year-old.
Their report states that Steinwender has been handed permission to travel to Scotland ahead of a six-figure transfer fee being finalised.
It is expected that Steinwender will fly into Edinburgh on Sunday, two days after Hearts face Brechin City away in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
Moreover, it is being said that personal terms are close to being agreed as Hearts near their third winter addition.
Danish clubs were said to be monitoring Steinwender alongside Hearts, but it appears the Gorgie outfit are a step ahead of those who previously showed an interest.
Steinwender is a defender Hearts have been tracking for some time, but the impending acquisition has been backed by Jamestown Analytics.
What will Steinwender bring to Hearts?
Hearts will be Steinwender’s fourth senior club of his career having started out professionally with SV Matterburg’s second team, before being promoted to the first-team.
When he was 20, he earned a move to St Polten and spent a season there during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
TSV Hartbeg was his next destination before IFK Värnamo swooped to secure his signature in the summer of 2024.
The former Austria U19 international was described as a pacey and physical player who is able to be deployed in a number of positions, as described by sporting director Georg Zellhofer upon his switch to St Polten.
As per Liga Portal, Zellhofer said: “Michael can be used in many different positions in defence and, thanks to his speed and physique, he has very good abilities to fill this position.
“At Mattersburg, he was on his way to becoming a regular player, so we are delighted that another talent with promise for the future has decided to join our club.”