Your January 16 transfer window update. Not The Old Firm has news regarding Hearts, Kilmarnock, Ross County, Dundee United and Livingston.
Hearts latest
Hearts are being linked with a number of other names and are close to adding Michael Steinwender, the Austrian defender from IFK Varnamo in Sweden.
The Jambos are also still in talks with winger Islam Chesnokov but that is one that could take a while if they can pull it off.
Manager Neil Critchley has been asked about both, and said on the former: “I’m not going to confirm any names. He’s someone we know. He’s someone that we’re interested in.
“I’m not going to mention his name because that would be wrong. But until we get further down the line, I won’t speak about that until I can.”
On Chesnokov, he said: “No, that’s not close. We get linked with numerous players during January. A lot of speculation, a lot of rumours. We’re doing a lot of work behind the scenes.
“We’re speaking about a lot of players. There’s certain areas of the pitch I think if we improved or had a slightly different profile of a player, it would help us. We’ve identified areas of the pitch that we’ve wanted or want to bring players in.
“We’re on that sort of journey. Obviously, that journey doesn’t last for long because it only lasts for one month and there’s only two weeks of the window to go. So, let’s see where we are in 14 days’ time from now.”
Ryan Longman, the Hull City winger previously linked to the Tynecastle men, is now heading to Oxford United, according to the Oxford Mail.
Kilmarnock reject Armstrong bid
Hearts have also been in talks with Kilmarnock’s Danny Armstrong over a pre-contract ahead of next season.
But Killie have now rejected an offer for Armstrong from an unnamed overseas club after the player held talks with the capital club.
Ross County double signing
Ross County have today completed a double signing as Don Cowie strengthens his squad.
First was the capture of 22-year-old full-back Zac Ashworth on loan from Blackpool and there was another loan for a defender – Jonathan Tomkinson from Norwich.
Dundee United want Dalby, Stephenson and Walton stays
Jim Goodwin said: “I’m confident of them all staying, to be honest. We’ve got agreements that these players will stay for the season, but they obviously do have break clauses half-way.
“That’s just how contracts are set up.
“But we are having constant dialogue with Liverpool, Luton and Wrexham – and the players mentioned are all loving life at Dundee United, as is (Emmanuel) Adegboyega.
“I don’t suppose any of them are looking for a change this month. So, I think we’re in a strong position to hold on to all four of those players until the end of the season.”
Livi want to strengthen for Championship push
Livingston boss David Martindale wants more attacking prowess as he bids to return to the Premiership – but insists he has faith in his current charges.
He said: “I do believe that we’ve got the players in that dressing room to get us back to the Premiership and I’ve told the boys that.
“There’s different ways to go about that and win games but hopefully we can get a couple of boys moved on.
“That will then allow us to bring in another offensive player because I feel we’re just that little bit short in terms of a skill set at the top end of the park.”