Hearts move to sign Walsall striker Elijah Adebayo

Hearts want Walsall’s Elijah Adebayo to fill their striker vacancy if they can agree a deal with the English League Two club.

Tynecastle officials have made contact with counterparts in the West Midlands about a transfer as they look to strengthen their forward line this month.

However, Walsall want a fee for the 23-year-old who is out of contract this summer. It remains to be seen if the clubs can reach an agreement before the January transfer window closes.

Hearts see 6ft 4in Adebayo as the type who can lead their attack, link play and finish off chances inside the penalty area. They may need to wait until the summer if they are to lure him to Edinburgh but have not given up hope of a deal with Walsall this month.

Other English teams are also understood to be interested in the former Fulham youth who joined Walsall in 2019. He has spent time on loan at several clubs including Swindon Town and Stevenage but is now an established first-team player at Bescot Stadium.

Manager Darrell Clarke is reluctant to let the player leave before the end of the season with his side aiming for the League Two play-offs.

Adebayo has scored eight goals in 27 appearances so far this season and played 90 minutes in Walsall’s 1-1 draw at Morecambe on Tuesday night.

He fits the bill for Hearts as a player with pace and a physical presence who can increase their options in attack.

Walsall striker Elijah Adebayo is wanted by Hearts. Pic: Getty Images

The Edinburgh club currently have Liam Boyce and Craig Wighton competing as strikers and are after something different as they strive for promotion back to the Scottish Premiership.

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