Alex Cochrane has confirmed his permanent return to Hearts with his loan move being turned into a three-year deal at Tynecastle.
The Jambos are currently out in Spain for a warm weather training camp and have boosted their numbers again following the captures of Lewis Neilson, Alan Forrest and Kye Rowles.
Cochrane joined the club on loan last year from Brighton and played a big part in their third place Premiership finish which has guaranteed European group stage football.
Versatility was displayed by the 22-year-old on the left side of the pitch as he made 40 first team appearances for the Jam Tarts and scoring three goals.
It's a deal fans were keen to see done amid rumours some English interest had emerged, and manager Robbie Neilson is delighted it's over the line
He said: “It’s fantastic to get Alex back in permanently. He was a huge part of the success the team enjoyed last season.
“To get him back in as a Hearts player for three years is great news. His versatility on that left side is hugely important to the way we play.
"I think he benefitted massively from getting a full season of first-team football under his belt. He’s a popular lad in the dressing room and obviously there is great familiarity there so I hope he can pick up from where he left off last season and hit the ground running."
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Sporting Director Joe Savage added: “Everyone was impressed with Alex’s contribution to the team last season so it made perfect sense to try and bring him back in on a permanent deal.
“He’s still a young player but he’s clearly very talented and has a hunger to improve, and - as we’ve demonstrated time and time again - Hearts is a place for talented players to flourish."
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