Hearts hold talks with Swedish left-back Gabriel Somi

Swedish left-back Gabriel Somi has held talks with Hearts

The Ostersunds FK defender is out of contract at the end of the month and is available as a free agent. He is 26 and can play left-back or left wing-back, an area Hearts manager Craig Levein is desperate to strengthen.

Somi visited Tynecastle and Riccarton over the weekend to discuss a potential move to Scotland for the second half of the season. He will not make a quick decision as he has options in other countries to consider, and Hearts are prepared to wait for him to choose his next club.

Somi was born in the Swedish city of Orebro but qualifies to play international football for Syria through parentage. He was in the Syrian national squad as recently as October this year but has yet to win his first cap.

Hearts have problems at left-back and Levein is eager to recruit during January to bring more balance to his team.

Ashley Smith-Brown, the on-loan Manchester City full-back, has been constantly injured since arriving in Edinburgh during the summer. Versatile Polish player Rafal Grzelak has struggled to find his best form in maroon, resulting in right-back Michael Smith frequently playing out of position on the left this season.

Somi could offer a possible solution if he decides to further his career with Hearts.