Hearts to up quest for new stopper

Hearts are expected to intensify their search for a new central defender when manager Jim Jefferies returns from holiday this weekend.

With Ismael Bouzid released on freedom of contract and the proposed signing of Aberdeen's Zander Diamond having fallen through, the Edinburgh club remain short on experienced cover in that position.

The Evening News has learned a defender remains a priority ahead of the new season kicking off on July 23, when Hearts face Rangers at Ibrox. Jefferies is due to return from his summer break in time to get to work on recruiting another new face.

John Sutton, Jamie Hamill, Danny Grainger and Mehdi Taouil have already arrived at Tynecastle on freedom of contract since the end of last season, ensuring Hearts are the most active SPL club in the transfer market so far.

Diamond would have become the club's fifth signing until an ankle scan scuppered the deal.

The emergence of the 21-year-old Australian centre-back Ryan McGowan towards the end of last season offers cover for the first-choice defensive pairing of Andy Webster and Marius Zaliukas. But Hearts would prefer a more established player to deputise in the event of injury or suspension and have cast their net far and wide to source the right candidate.