SPL transfers: Hearts tempt Tottenham teen Tapping to Tynecastle

THERE was very little activity in the Scottish Premier League yesterday as the transfer window closed last night, with only a handful of signings made before the deadline.

Other than comings and goings involving the Old Firm, transfers were low-key as clubs appeared to have completed their recruitment in advance.

Hearts were one of the few clubs to make any moves, signing Scotland Under-19 midfielder Callum Tapping – ironically from Tottenham, the club who dumped the Tynecastle side out of the Europa League last week.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who was at Hamilton Accies and Celtic before joining Tottenham’s academy, has signed a two-year deal with the Edinburgh club. He played 27 times for Spurs in last year’s FA Academy Premier League.

Tynecastle under-19 coach Darren Murray said: “Callum is a central midfielder with good ability. He can see a pass, gets forward and can score goals. He’s diligent, conscientious as well and someone we think can develop for the future with us.”

Kilmarnock have re-signed centre-back Mohamadou Sissoko on loan from Udinese.

Sissoko has signed another loan deal after making 31 appearances for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League club last season.

Killie manager Kenny Shiels has been seeking a centre-half since Ryan O’Leary was ruled out for the majority of the season with a damaged cruciate ligament. The 23-year-old was one of Shiels’ main targets this summer and comes in days after the Rugby Park manager released full-back Tim Clancy to Motherwell in a bid to free up wages.

Kilmarnock made another signing with the capture of 18-year-old midfielder Jude Winchester from Linfield. The Northern Ireland Under-18 international has been on trial with the Ayrshire club and comes in from the Belfast club’s youth team.

Linfield’s website describes him as a “tenacious midfielder with good pace and great work ethic” who has the “ability to go past players with ease”.

Inverness recruited teenager Aiden Chippendale on loan from Huddersfield Town until January.

The 19-year-old winger makes the move to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League side in search of regular match action, having made just one first-team appearance for Town.

Caley Thistle manager Terry Butcher believes the youngster will have plenty to offer during his spell at the Highland club.

He said: “Aiden has good pace, which is what we’re short of in wider areas of midfield since Johnny Hayes and Aaron Doran picked up their injuries.

“It is pleasing that Aiden is keen to come and we've been able to agree a deal with him and his club in quick time.” Inverness also signed David Davis on loan from Wolves earlier in the day. The 20-year-old midfielder has joined the Highland side until January.

Butcher believes the arrival of Davis – who penned a new two-year deal with Wolves in March – will help ease his injury concerns.

He said: “David is keen to sample the SPL and has committed himself to us and we’re grateful to Wolves.

“Aaron Doran’s injury against Kilmarnock is the latest in an amazing run of injuries we’ve suffered, I’ve never known such a casualty chart in the opening weeks of a season.

“This left us needing to strengthen our midfield and, having just signed a new deal with a Premiership club, Davis has the capability to do really well for us.”

Butcher added: “I’m delighted with our deadline day work.

“Both lads have considerable potential and, with our exceptional injury list, their arrival brings us the competition for places we've been looking for.”