SPFL Premiership leaders are working on new recruits

Hearts have lodged a transfer offer for the Forest Green Rovers captain Laurent Mendy hoping to strengthen their midfield for Sunday’s meeting with Celtic. The English National League club have rejected the initial bid and Tynecastle officials are now considering whether to return with another proposal.

The 28-year-old Frenchman can play as a central midfielder or central defender and stands 6ft 2 in tall. He is wanted by Hearts to help alleviate a midfield crisis with potentially six players in that position unavailable for this weekend’s crucial Premiership match against reigning champions Celtic. Beni Baningime is suspended, while Cammy Devlin, Oisin McEntee, Eduardo Ageu, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock are all injured.

McEntee has an outside chance of being involved as he is close to returning from a groin injury. However, Hearts want to reinforce their midfield quickly. If possible, they would like to agree a deal for Mendy in time for Sunday’s game. He has been one of Forest Green’s most consistent players this season and has managed 27 appearances in all competitions. He would add an extra physical presence to the Tynecastle midfield.

Hearts will need to increase their offer to tempt Forest Green to sell Mendy right now. He is an integral part of their side and is preparing to lead Rovers out in Wednesday night’s league game against Altrincham. Hearts are also looking at other midfielders who could be recruited at short notice and registered in time to be involved against Celtic. They have a number of options and are working at speed in an effort to reinforce the position ahead of a crucial game.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Edinburgh club agreed a deal to bring the Ugandan international winger Rogers Mato to Gorgie from North Macedonian side FK Vardar. He will need immigration documents processed before he can be registered with the Scottish Football Association. Those should be in place before the January transfer window closes.

Sitting six points clear of Celtic and Rangers at the top of the Premiership, Hearts have endured a difficult few days after losing Baningime to suspension, plus Devlin and captain Lawrence Shankland to injury. All three have been influential players all season but will now miss Sunday’s match at Tynecastle.

Speaking to the Edinburgh News after Saturday’s Scottish Cup defeat by Falkirk. the Hearts head coach Derek McInnes admitted transfer work would take precedence this week. “Possibly, yes. I've spoken to the board,” he said. “I'll speak to Graeme Jones [sporting director] again today and see where we are. Sander Kartum’s [loan] deal was done last week ahead of these latest injuries. We are hoping Ageu is back for Celtic but I think it's a big ask [to throw him in]. We are hoping Oisin might be back but there's no certainty with that. That middle area of the pitch is a wee bit of a concern at the minute.”