After making moves to sort their defence and attack, Hearts have moved on to a midfield target.
So far in the January window, the Jambos have signed striker Elton Kabangu on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise, defender Jamie McCart from Rotherham and are close to signing another centre-back in Michael Steinwender.
They’re also looking for a new winger and are in talks with Kakakhstan international Islam Chesnokov as well as Kilmarnock’s Danny Armstrong, but the latter may be for the summer as he’s available on a pre-contract agreement.
Manager Neil Critchley would also like more creativity in the middle of the pitch, something the team has been crying out for.
And a central midfielder is now on their radar, according to reports this weekend.
- READ MORE: Andrew McKinlay on how many more Hearts January signings he wants plus summer transfer plans
Hearts eye Kartum transfer swoop
Norwegian midfielder Sander Kartum looks likely to be Hearts‘ next January signing, according to reports in his homeland.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder plays from Brann and BT-Sporten are reporting he is “on his way” to Tynecastle.
It would appear a transfer has already been agreed between the two clubs which could see the former Kristiansund man signing this week along with Steinwender, ahead of a fixture against Kilmarnock.
Hearts will be required to pay a fee but as Kartum is about to turn 30 and only contracted until the summer of 2026, it won’t be on the high side.
Who is Hearts target Kartum?
Sander Kartum is a 29-year-old midfielder from Norway who currently stars for Brann.
His former clubs are Kristiansund and Stjørdals-Blink.
While with the former he won the Norwegian second tier’s player of the season in 2020, as reported by Bladet.
Carrying on his form in the Eliteserien, scoring six and assisting eight across two seasons, caught the eye of Brann and he made the switch in 2023.
Kartum was a vital cog in the team that has just finished second, only three points behind Bodo/Glimt.
He also featured as the Norwegians dumped St Mirren out of Conference League qualifying earlier this campaign.