Thursday is transfer deadline day and The Edinburgh Reporter can bring you the latest ins-and-outs at Tynecastle as new Hearts Head Coach Craig Levein seeks to re-structure his squad.
In: Hearts have signed Raith Rovers captain Ross Callachan on a two-year contract. The midfield player, a life-long Hearts supporter, crosses the River Forth for a fee which the club says is ‘undisclosed’. Callachan has made 200 appearances for the Starks Park club and made an impression when he played for Rovers against Hearts in last season’s William Hill Scottish Cup ties, which the Tynecastle side won after a replay.
Callachan told the official Hearts website:
“I grew up watching Hearts and for them to come in with an offer for me, it’s a dream come true really.
“In terms of what fans can expect, I’d say I’m quite an energetic player, a box-to-box midfielder. I like to get around the park and I can put myself about a bit as well.
“I’ve played a lot of games for my age and I feel now is the right time to step up and I’m ready to challenge myself here.”
The Edinburgh Reporter also understands that Serbian winger Manuel Milinkovic is at Tynecastle to discuss a season-long loan move to Hearts.
The 23-year-old is contracted to Genoa but has been on loan at Foggia. An announcement is expected later today.
Late on Thursday evening, Hearts confirmed the signing of Milinkovic on season-long loan.
The 23-year-old winger, who holds dual French/Serbian nationality, arrived in Gorgie from Italian Serie B side Foggia Calcio.
Milinkovic told the official Hearts website: “I’m very pleased to have joined Hearts and I’m now eager to start training as soon as possible so that I can be ready to help the team”
“I’m a player who likes having the ball at my feet, to run at the opponents and provide assists for my teammates.
“I can’t wait to get started now. I’ve seen the stadium and it looks fantastic, I’ve also watched clips of Hearts games online and to see such a packed stadium is amazing. I can’t wait to play in front of these fans.”
Moving On: Defender Jordan McGhee has joined Ladbrokes Championship side Falkirk for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough but his opportunities in the Hearts first team have been limited and he has agreed to join Peter Houston’s team.
Attacking midfielder Dario Zanatta has moved to Raith Rovers on a development loan until the end of the season. This means he will be eligible to play for Hearts U20s for the duration of the loan period.
As at 10.50pm on Thursday evening – with a little over an hour until the transfer window closes – The Edinburgh Reporter understands that Rangers were still trying to sign Hearts attacking midfielder Jamie Walker but the move didn’t go through. So Walker remains at Tynecastle at least until the end of the season.
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
