In January, Hearts has been transparent about seeking reinforcements.
Considering that they are now in 11th place in the Scottish Premiership, it is easy to see that they could use it.
CEO Andrew McKinlay acknowledged that the Jambos were “very closely” examining one player in particular and hinted at probable January transfer activity.
Additionally, Hearts has partnered with Brighton supremo Tony Bloom’s data research firm, Jamestown Analytics.
As the Tynecastle club looks to use statistics to better their recruitment, that will help them with their January buying.
Ryan Stevenson on the transfer requirements for Hearts
In their last six games, Hearts have scored five goals, and in their last three, they have scored just one.
The top end of the field is obviously a problem because they have generated decent chances in games against Celtic, Rangers, and Germans Heidenheim yet have little to show for it.
Hearts are reportedly searching for a striker because Kenneth Vargas and former talisman Lawrence Shankland are having trouble.
Ryan Stevenson, a former midfielder with the Jambos, believes they need to add two quick wingers and TWO frontmen.
“I’ve been beating the drum on what Hearts need for the last 12 to 18 months,” he stated in the Daily Record. There are two new strikers. We still need that, in my opinion.
However, we also need to pace widely. Two attackers and two quick wingers would be the four players I would be searching for in January. That might alter the dynamic entirely.
“Observe Musa Drammeh. After coming off the bench against Celtic the previous weekend, he had a fantastic finish, and if I were him, I would be overjoyed.
“I would be knocking on the manager’s door and stating, ‘I would like to begin.'” However, he performs best at number 10, where he needs players to run off of him.
“I don’t believe we currently have it. We aren’t energetic enough to provide him with the space he needs to work. We move pretty slowly.
Hearts ought to let Shankland go
Despite his recent setbacks, Shankland is still Hearts’ top scorer.
The 29-year-old, who has scored more than 50 goals in two campaigns, lacks confidence and has only one goal this season.
Stevenson has encouraged manager Neil Critchley to drop him for Thursday’s Conference League trip to Cercle Brugge, even though he currently has few other options.
“Cercle Brugge is on Thursday, and I believe it’s worth dropping Lawrence Shankland for that one,” he continued. Even if he wouldn’t want to hear it, I wouldn’t play him, primarily for his own gain.
“Over the past 18 months or more, I have praised Lawrence more than anyone else has. I’ve been let go by managers who said, “It might help you, it will give you a bit of freshness.” I would have scolded the manager as a player.
“Every game is something you want to play. Lawrence will be no different. However, I believe that removing myself from it would be the wisest course of action.
