Hearts are gearing up for European football next season as they look to strengthen their squad.
Its means this summer's transfer window will be busy, with defensive reinforcements top of Robbie Neilson' s list following the departure of John Souttar.
And in a bid to replace the centre half the Edinburgh outfit are understood to be in talks with Dundee Untied youngster Lewis Neilson and it's expected to be wrapped up in the next 48 hours.
The defender's contract is up in the summer with the Tannadice side confirming his departure on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old can operate at both right back and centre half as well and is comfortable in a three-man or four-man defence.
The teen, viewed as a player with considerable potential, has represented Scotland at under-16 and under-17 level.
Neilson could add depth the Jambos' back line with the Edinburgh side reckoning the youngster could develop into a first-team regular.
Neilson's men are also in the final stages of signing Australian central defender Kye Rowles who awaits approval of his UK work permit.
The Edinburgh outfit are guaranteed a spot in the group stages of a European competition next campaign, dropping into the Conference League if they slip up during Europa League qualification.
With a successful season behind them - they finished third in the cinch Premiership and reached the Scottish Cup final - the Jambos will be looking to come back bigger and better in a bid bring silverware back to Tynecastle in some way, shape or form.
Along with backline recruits, a boost elsewhere on the pitch will also be needed if the club hope to challenge both domestically and in Europe next season.
The Jambos have emerged as the new favourites to snap up Irish midfielder Connor Ronan.
The Wolves player impressed during a stint at St Mirren on loan with his performances catching the eye of the Hearts camp.
Ronan appeared 30 times for the Paisley club, scoring eight goals with five assists under his belt.
The loanee netted a goal of the season contender against Hearts during a Jambos 4-2 victory at Tynecastle.
The Buddies were keen to extend his loan spell at the club however reports claim that the English Premier League side are looking to sell the Irishman who has spent the last four seasons out on loan.
The 24-year-old is valued at £450,000 but Wolves are expected to include a substantial mandatory sell-on clause as expect his value to rocket in the future.
Both Edinburgh sides were said to have an interest in Ronan, with Jim Goodwin's Aberdeen also throwing their name in hat.
But the lure of European football next season has catapulted Robbie Neilson's side into the driving seat.
Another players on Neilson's radar is Ellis Simms.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Hearts last time out and now the Edinburgh outfit is keen to secure his services for another year at least.
The Everton loanee netted seven goals in 21 appearances since arriving at Tynecastle in January.
The striker's all-round game was a key component to the Jambos' success as they secured in the 2021/22 campaign which guaranteed European football next season.
But the Englishman's future remains somewhat uncertain.
Toffees boss Frank Lampard is keen to keep an eye on Simms during Everton's pre season camp before a definite decision is made.
