Hearts are reportedly in talks to sign Odel Offiah on loan from Brighton.
The 20-year-old is a centre-back by trade but has been known to fill in at right-back too.
Nathaniel Atkinson is the only recognised player in the Jambos squad to fill that position currently, so adding Offiah would offer that cover with his versatility.
Offiah has five first-team appearances to his name for the Seagulls, two of which came in the Premier League last term.
The Telegraph reports that Hearts and Brighton are in negotiations over a season-long loan.
It's believed the clubs have a good relationship following Alex Cochrane's initial loan move from the Amex, which was eventually made a permanent switch.
It would take the Gorgie side's transfer business to seven for the summer after Michael McGovern, Kent, Calem Nieuwenhof, Alex Lowry, Kysouke Tagawa and Kenneth Vargas were brought in.
Meanwhile, Hearts technical director Steven Naismith hailed the team’s defensive performance, while noting his comfort that a cutting edge will “definitely come” after a 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Park.
The home side struggled to break down a well-organised Killie team, with one shot on target across the 90 minutes. Lawrence Shankland, Liam Boyce, Alex Lowry, and new boys Kyosuke Tagawa and Kenneth Vargas all featured.
“There was some frustration there but I’m realistic and I’ve got the experience of being in these situations and there’s been a few new players come in, it’s new to them, we have played away from home in Europe and come back,” Naismith said. “You’ll have seen it a million times that these are tough performances even before you look at the opposition.
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