Hearts striker target named as Hibs eye shock Tynecastle raid for Scotland international

Hearts and Hibs transfer news as January window looms

As the fallout from the Boxing Day Edinburgh derby continues, both Hearts and Hibs are turning attention towards the January transfer window, which opens on New Year's Day.

While Hibs' 2-1 victory at Tynecastle Park continued a recent revival that has lifted them clear of the William Hill Premiership relegation zone, the defeat leaves Hearts mired in trouble, just two points ahead of bottom placed St Johnstone and two behind Ross County in tenth, at the halfway stage of the campaign.

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Both capital clubs will now look to strengthen next month with the onus particularly on Hearts to bring in quality reinforcements that will significantly improve their fortunes following the recent link up with data experts Jamestown Analytics.

And the first target identified by the analytics firm owned by Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has emerged with a loan move for Union Saint-Gilloise forward Elton Kabangu reportedly in the pipeline.

Hearts are reportedly in discussions with USG over a loan move for Elton Kabangu.Hearts are reportedly in discussions with USG over a loan move for Elton Kabangu.
Hearts are reportedly in discussions with USG over a loan move for Elton Kabangu. | Youtube

The 26-year-old, who operates as a centre-forward but can also play out wide, has been put up for transfer after scoring just one goal in 13 appearances for the Belgian side this season. And according to sister title, Edinburgh Evening News, Hearts have approached USG, who also operate under the Jamestown Analytics umbrella, with an offer to loan the player for the remainder of the season with discussions progressing.

Kabangu is a product of the youth system at Gent but made his name in the Dutch second tier with fruitful spells at FC Eindhoven and Willem II producing 34 goals in 135 matches.

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Hearts are also planning to sign at least one central defender during the winter window to compensate for the long-term injuries suffered by Stephen Kingsley and Frankie Kent.

Hibs have placed Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark on a list of potential targets.Hibs have placed Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark on a list of potential targets.
Hibs have placed Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark on a list of potential targets. | SNS Group

Hibs, meanwhile, have been linked with a shock move for Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark. The 32-year-old held the number one position at Tynecastle last season as Hearts finished third behind Celtic and Rangers but has lost his place to veteran Craig Gordon for both club and country this term.

Clark has six months left on his contract and will be free to sign a pre-contract elsewhere when the window opens in January. Edinburgh Evening News report that Hibs have placed the Scotland international on a list of potential targets for the summer as they look to convince the ex-St Johnstone man to cross the Edinburgh derby divide. Hibs goalkeeping issues have been well documented this season with first-choice Josef Bursik failing to impress following his loan move from Club Brugge before losing his place to back-up signing Jordan Smith.

Rotherham United's Cameron Dawson is also reportedly on Hibs’ transfer radar with the EFL League One club's second-choice goalkeeper being eyed for a January switch to Easter Road. The 29-year-old, who spent 11 years at Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Rotherham last summer, has made 13 appearances for the Millers this season, conceding 17 goals and keeping three clean sheets.

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