Hearts are in talks over what they hope could be a FOURTH January signing.
Earlier today it was reported that the Jambos hoped to sign Austrian defender Michael Steinwender and were in discussions with his club IFK Varnamo.
The towering Austrian defender has top flight experience in his homeland and Sweden and is someone Jamestown Analytics has identified as being able to improve Hearts.
If concluded, he would be the second centre half signed by the Tynecastle men after they brought in Jamie McCart from Rotherham, with Kye Rowles on his way out to DC United.
McCart was their second signing of the window after the addition of Belgian striker Elton Kabangu on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise.
The former started against Aberdeen yesterday after a debut off the bench against Dundee United, while Kabangu was introduced as a sub at Pittodrie.
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Hearts are now in talks with a winger
Hearts are also currently locked in talks with a second signing target and that is Kazakhstani winger Islam Chesnokov, Not the Old Firm understands.
The 25-year-old currently plays in his homeland for Tobol Kostanay and has 11 caps for his country, scoring twice.
He featured in Conference League qualifying for them this season and scored 10 goals in their most recent domestic campaign, adding three assists.
Chesnokov is contracted until October this year and Not the Old Firm has learned talks are actively ongoing with the club and player negotiating over a move in this window.
All parties are said to be actively working to make it happen.
Who is Islam Chesnokov?
Chesnokov is a 25-year-old Kazakhstani winger who plays for Tobol Kastanay.
He came through at Altai Semey in his homeland before moving to Belarusian side Belshina Bobruisk and then onto his current club.
He has European experience in Champions League and Conference League qualifiers as well as playing regularly for his county.
The wide man mostly plays on the right wing but can also operate on the left or as a central striker.
Ironically, Chesnokov was previously linked to Kilmarnock but it is Hearts who are now making their move.