First new face at Hearts in days – Fedotovas

HEARTS are homing in on their first summer signing and could announce a new recruit as early as next week, according to director Sergejus Fedotovas.

Speaking at yesterday's AGM in Tynecastle's Gorgie Suite, the Lithuanian praised the work of manager Jim Jefferies and said negotiations on a new signing are progressing positively.

"I am glad we have a good working relationship with the manager," he said.

"We are on track to bring in new signings and I hope that early next week we will be able to announce our first signing. And I look forward to adding one or two more after that."

Jefferies has prioritised strikers and midfielders in tandem with Vladimir Romanov, Hearts' majority shareholder.

Kevin Kyle, the out-of-contract Kilmarnock forward, is high on the club's wish list, along with midfielder Craig Bryson, who remains under contract at Rugby Park and would require a transfer fee.

Fedotovas stressed Hearts would not shy away from paying for players but intimated that the Riccarton youth academy would be heavily relied upon to produce first-team recruits.

"We have to take care the way we approach signings," he said.

"We will still be spending on the squad but the emphasis will be on the academy as you know what to expect from players who have been here for five and six years and have kept progressing.

"This is better than guessing what players will give you, even though this is done with the benefit of research.

"We have had to lose certain players, and certain managers in the past believed they would bring a positive result but that didn't materialise. Working with the youngsters will be different but Jim Jefferies is known for his expertise in this area."