6 SPFL free agents Hearts could target - and why

A look at who could interest Hearts when they enter the transfer market to improve the squad

When it comes to signing players, Hearts, like many of their rivals, are not in a position to make any moves in the transfer market.

Not only do they have the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, with the current squad on wage cuts, but they don’t know for sure which division they will be playing in next season.

That being said, the club will still be keeping an eye on the market so that when there is clarity they can begin to recruit and shape the squad.

Vaclav Hladky has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league across the past 18 months. Picture: SNS

There are a number of players who would be a canny free contract signing having left or been released by an SPFL club.

Vaclav Hladky

The Czech goalkeeper will be a player in demand following his performances at St Mirren across the past 18 months where he emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in Scotland. Such form saw him linked with Rangers. The Buddies were understandably eager to get him tied to a new contract only for the player to reject a deal.

It would be an ambitious move for Hearts considering the likely offers on the table, but if the club were to recruit the 29-year-old they would sort the goalkeeping issues.

Richard Tait has left Motherwell after four seasons. Picture: SNS

No goalkeeper faced more shots and made more saves than Hladky this season past. In just under 60 games for St Mirren he conceded 83 goals but it would be difficult for Saints fans to remember a mistake which led to a goal.

The club released a video accompanying his departure showcasing his saves, including the ones to keep the Buddies in the Premiership. He is capable of the spectacular save, he is reliable, comfortable with the ball at his feet and quick off his line.

Mark Gillespie

If it wasn’t for the coronavirus there is every likelihood Gillespie would be a Newcastle United goalkeeper. The 28-year-old started his career at the Premier League club and was in talks to go in as a possible understudy to Martin Dubravka. The pandemic intervened and the former Carlisle United and Walsall star is now assessing his future.

Steven Lawless has just enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. Picture: SNS

There are parallels to Vaclav Hladky. Firstly, it would be a massive coup to sign him and secondly no goalkeeper has been busier across the past two seasons.

Gillespie took his chance at Motherwell after the club’s No.1 Trever Carson developed deep vein thrombosis during the 2018/19 campaign.

He is another who has a sizeable presence between the sticks and more than anything is hugely reliable.

Jamie MacDonald

The third goalkeeping option from SPFL players who have had their exit confirmed, MacDonald has been open about a return to Hearts.

He told the Evening News: “Obviously, if an opportunity like that arose then I would be delighted. I would go back in a heartbeat. I grew up at Hearts. I was there from 14 years old until I was basically forced out of the door. It's somewhere I would definitely go back”

MacDonald rejected a contract extension at Kilmarnock after weighing up the offer. He had spent part of the past campaign on loan at Alloa Athletic having lost his place as the club’s No.1 over the past two seasons.

He is a proven goalkeeper at Premiership level. There are aspects of his game where he may have a weakness but Hearts fans have seen the match-winning, or saving, qualities he possesses.

Richard Tait

Something which has been missing from Hearts across the past 18 months has been a reliability. Players who can go on to the pitch and be trusted to carry out the job required, dig in and possess a know how to get results in Scotland.

Over the past four seasons, Tait has shown that at Motherwell. Combative, aggressive and steady as a full-back, he can play either right-back or left-back adeptly.

On top of that, he is one of the fittest players in the Scottish Premiership, while providing the Steelmen with a useful attacking outlet, capable of sending in dangerous crosses off both feet. Until this season, he had been one of the most frequent crossers of the ball in the league. In fact, between 2016/17 and 2018/19, no Hearts player placed above him in the crossing charts.

He would allow Michael Smith to play as a centre-back, while providing flexibility in the full-back areas.

Tom Walsh

The 23-year-old has been one of the most dangerous players in the Championship for the past two seasons, especially during the 2018/19 campaign. He showed his goal-scoring ability from midfield, hitting double figures.

Capable of playing on either flank or through the middle, the ex-Rangers youth player would represent a shrewd pick-up considering he is still only 23.

Technically excellent, it can be difficult telling what is Walsh’s stronger side such is the comfort with boot feet, and he has the capacity to deliver spectacular goals from either one, whether it is a fierce volley or long-range curling effort.

Injury issues frustrated the player during the past campaign, but he was still one of the most prolific crossers and threatening wide men in the league.

Steven Lawless

Season 2019/20 was one of the best of Lawless’ career as he emerged as one of the most productive attacking midfielders in the Premiership for Livingston. He finished the campaign joint fourth in the league, alongside Rangers’ Jermain Defoe, for goals and assists with 14.

Not bad for a player who in his previous two seasons – one at Livi and one at Partick Thistle – played at wing-back. A curious position for anyone who had laid eyes on the 29-year-old. A diminutive attacker, he has a great touch, ability to shield the ball and vision.

Yet, there have been times during his Premiership career where he has flattered to deceive. Given freedom in the final third, however, saw him thrive, especially linking up with striker Lyndon Dykes.

He would add creativity, as well as versatility, to most sides in the SPFL.