Hearts working to add more new signings as Stephen Humphrys seals loan move from Wigan Athletic

Hearts are convinced Stephen Humphrys will score goals in Scotland after completing a loan move from Wigan Athletic until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old striker checked in at Tynecastle Park earlier this evening as the club’s first deadline-day signing. Hearts would like to add at least one more new recruit but time is ticking with the summer transfer window closing at midnight.

Humphrys was out of favour at Wigan following the arrivals of Ashley Fletcher and Nathan Broadhead on loan this summer. He joins Hearts following Liam Boyce’s cruciate ligament injury, with the Northern Irishman expected to miss between seven and nine months of football in total.

Humphrys carries a physical presence and favours a central striker role. He has also operated out wide in the past. He scored seven goals in 49 appearances for Wigan as they won the League One title last year. However, he was keen to play regular first-team football rather than remain as a back-up player for the rest of the season.

The Hearts management team believe he can improve their attack. “It’s no secret that we’ve been looking at strengthening our forward area after Liam Boyce’s injury, and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to do so by bringing Stephen in,” manager Robbie Neilson told the club website.

“He’ll bring a big presence up top and a lot of experience despite only being 24 years old. His goals earned him a move to Wigan and we’re confident that he can continue to find the back of the net up here as we gear up for a busy period of domestic and European football.”

Joe Savage, the club’s sporting directior, explained some background to Humphrys’ move. “We’ve been aware of Stephen for a while thanks to the sterling job our recruitment team do in identifying talent,” he said.

“Because of this, we were able to move quickly to bring him in and we’re very happy to be able to call Stephen a Hearts player. I’d like to thank Stephen’s agent and Wigan Athletic for helping to facilitate the deal, and, once again, our board for their backing during this crucial time.”