Hearts are interested in signing Dundee United midfielder Scott Fraser but are unlikely to make any move for the 22-year-old until the summer.
Fraser is currently sidelined with a fractured foot he sustained in last month’s top-of-the-table Championship defeat to St Mirren and is not expected to play again this season.
Speculation that Fraser has already signed a pre-contract with the Tynecastle outfit is wide of the mark but manager Craig Levein is thought to be an admirer of the playmaker.
With Fraser, who has scored four goals in 18 appearances this term, turning 23 in March, United would not be entitled to a compensation fee should he decide to depart Tannadice under freedom of contract at the end of the campaign.
English League One title hopefuls Wigan have also been linked with him, as have Charlton and Peterborough.
Levein has so far signed left-back Demetri Mitchell on loan from Manchester United this month and has been linked with Scotland and Norwich City striker Steven Naismith and Go Ahead Eagles forward Leon de Kogel.
After losing Jamie Walker to Wigan in a £300,000 move a week ago, Levein is also keen to add a creative midfielder during the transfer window.
Hearts return from their five-day training camp in Spain today to continue their preparations for Sunday’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie against city rivals Hibs at their Oriam base.
Meanwhile, the Tangerines are understood to be ready to offer contracts to young French midfield duo Logan Martin and Idris Kadded.
Manager Csaba Laszlo is also keen to add an experienced striker to his squad.
He said: “We are missing players like Fraser Fyvie and Scott Fraser through injury but we do have Emil Lyng now and he is more or less our target man.
“We are also still looking for other ones and will see what is in the market.
“I definitely want more players in the squad, not just bodies but more competition.
“I hope those who come in will help us.”
