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Who should Hearts try to sign ?

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For the first time in several years, many Hearts fans would be happy if the club signed NO-ONE in this transfer window, BUT?.


Given the recent injuries to Lee Wallace and Andrew Driver, the risk of losing one of these guys this month is virtually nil – meaning that the current squad is likely to enter February intact. Good news then ? Well, yes – but the modern-day rapid turnover of players means that shrewd managers often try to bring in a good replacement player 6 months ahead of a current one leaving – money permitting. So I wonder if Hearts should be looking to strengthen the squad now in anticipation of tempting bids arriving in the summer for the likes of Driver, Wallace, Jonsson, Zaliukas and Templeton.

I believe that Balogh, Palazuelos, Stevenson and Bouzid are out of contract in the summer too. With Kello and McDonald ahead of him – and Mark Ridgers gaining valuable experience out on loan – it seems likely that the Hungarian keeper will be released. JJ seems to like Stevenson and Palazuelos – however a new contract for the latter would probably be at a much lower wage than present. Bouzid has indicated in the media that he is looking to move to England.

So I think there is a good case for JJ to try to bring in at least one player this January, if funds permit. Attacking players are always the most sought-after, and JJ proved in the 1990s that he could unearth some very good ones from lesser teams (McCann, Cameron, Fulton for example). I think that`s the area where we should pay special attention to, despite the team`s recent good run, since injuries to key men like Skacel, Kyle or Templeton can have a big negative impact.

So how about one of these names –

Jamie Murphy (Motherwell)
Age 21. Powerful striker who is improving each season. If the time was right in his contract cycle, an approach for him would be most interesting.

John Sutton (Motherwell)
Age 27. Striker who has averaged more than 1 goal per 3 games at St. Mirren and Motherwell.

Mehdi Taouil (Kilmarnock)
Age 27. Clever midfielder who has always looked impressive against Hearts

Morgaro Gomis (Dundee Utd)
Age 25. Exciting midfielder who is a free agent in the summer. Although he wants to play in Spain, he might be keen to stay in Scotland if a good offer came along.

Adam Rooney(Inverness CT)
Age 22. Confident Irish striker who has scored almost a goal every 2 games (albeit many in the First Division) – he is a free agent in the summer.

Johnny Hayes(Inverness CT)
Age 23. Tricky Irish winger who has scored a few goals too. Contracted until summer 2012.

What are your thoughts, folks ?

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9 comments

  • StockportJambo says:

    Mentioned on the other thread, but the rumour I’ve heard is Bouzid going to Rangers with Andy Webster going the other way…

  • MrH says:

    Have always been a big fan of Gomes at United, but I think he’s almost certainly going to Spain if my United-supporting mate’s info is anything to go by. As mentioned in response to SJ in other thread, getting Webster back would be a great move – he’s probably the best CB in the league when fit.

  • Specs Haver says:

    While researching the article, I was amazed at just how good Sutton’s scoring record was at St. Mirren and Motherwell (assuming the figures were true !!). Out of the guys mentioned, he’s the one I’d most like to see at Hearts, simply because a poacher/goalscorer is what we need most. Despite the arrival of KK and Stephen Elliott (who are great team assets), I doubt if either will score 15 goals (not counting penalties). Agree about Gomis being a fine player – but having won the Cup, he might decide he’s “done Scotland”, and move abroad.

  • MrH says:

    Sutton’s actually fairly decent too….definitely one of those guys who COULD make the step up……

  • ptown_jambo says:

    I used to like Sutton a lot, but his recent form I think is poor, regardless of scoring and I wouldn’t be excited by him at hearts …but ask me in a mont after he starts every game now well have lost Blackman to Aberdeen. Of this list, Rooney is the pick for me, while i think Hayes is underrated. Eremenko off of Killie is one of the players of the year and i think would really fit in, but not sure of his status, and anyway I’d expect intrest in both Rooney and him very very soon. I’m concerned about defensive cover should we finally cash in on Wallace – I’d love to see Webster back, easily the best scottish centre back if fit, but cant see how it would happen.

  • ptown_jambo says:

    maybe as a curve ball… George Boyd at Peterborough is on about leaving, no idea what contract hes on but he was loaned to Notts Forest last season – he is a very decent player and possible Scottish international. What i def don’t want to see is a lot of money being spent, JJ has shown in the past he can unearth gems and from following a few Raith / Dumfermline / Dundee and Falkirk games, i think theres considerable potential hovering about, which would develop brilliantly around Kyle, Skacel and Zal.

  • MrH says:

    This guy Leigh Griffiths keep being mentioned too…..don’t know a great deal about him though……

  • StockportJambo says:

    We tried to sign him last season and he rejected our offer – going to Dundee instead. He’s currently on trial at Wolves, and I imagine we’d have a job competing with them for his signature if they want him.

  • Specs Haver says:

    I believe Griffiths is a Hibby with the corresponding ned tendancies you would expect (did you see the Dundee v Motherwell highlights ?). No thanks.

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