Hearts still want striker, but not Ryan Noble

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on 31/01/2013 12:00

JOHN McGLYNN wants to add one more striker to Hearts’ squad before the January transfer window closes at midnight – but Sunderland’s Ryan Noble is no longer on his wishlist.

The Tynecastle manager 
revealed that English-based under-21 forwards are still his main targets, but the club have now opted not to pursue their interest in Noble after making a loan enquiry.

“It would be fair to say he’s no longer an option,” said McGlynn, who has turned his attention elsewhere in England as he seeks another loan deal to complete his club’s mini 
recruitment drive this month.

Danny Wilson and Michael Ngoo were loaned from Liverpool and one more striker is ideally what McGlynn wants. He is also keen not to lose any of his current squad unless a substantial transfer fee is 
offered.

“I don’t want to lose anyone. If we can add one, great, but I certainly don’t want to lose somebody,” he told the Evening News. “I would understand if the club gets an offer they can’t refuse, but I hope to get to tomorrow 
morning with everyone we 
currently have in our squad. If we can add one more, I’d be delighted. That’s my wish so I’ll keep my fingers crossed and see what happens. We’re still thinking that we could get another attacking player in.”

Hearts have released youth players Callum Wyllie, Danny Thomson and Michael Thomson this month, but remain bound by signing restrictions imposed by the Scottish Premier League.

New players can only be signed on a one-in-one-out basis, must be eligible for under-21 football and earn less money than the player they replace.

“We are very much restricted because we can bring a player in, but he has got to be on a wage that’s less than one of the young players who have left. Those boys weren’t on ­fortunes,” said McGlynn.

“When you’re trying to get someone on loan from England, even young players down there are on a lot of money. You have to pay some money towards their wages, so it’s not easy.”

Swiss outfit Young Boys, meanwhile, watched Hearts skipper Marius Zaliukas last night. However, no formal ­approach has been made for the player.