Robbie Neilson is looking for another centre back as Hearts prepare to welcome Yutaro Oda.
The Vissel Kobe forward is expected to complete his switch to Tynecastle over the weekend, but Neilson admits a move for Callum Paterson could be less straightforward. Australian wonderkid Garang Kuol was in the capital for a look around the club’s Riccarton training base and the Jambos are hopeful of persuading the Newcastle United teenager of joining them on loan.
But the centre of defence has become a priority during the January transfer window after Craig Halkett was ruled out for the rest of the season. He suffered a cruciate knee injury during the 2-2- draw with Dundee United on Christmas Eve, while goalkeeper Craig Gordon also saw his campaign ended early that day after an horrific double leg break. However, Neilson is pleased with his squad depth in general, which has been backed up by his team’s results since their injury nightmare continued.
