New left-back on Hearts' radar after Mihai Popescu signing

Tynecastle defence to be strengthened again
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson wants to sign a left-back.Hearts manager Robbie Neilson wants to sign a left-back.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson wants to sign a left-back.

Hearts plan to sign a new left-back following the capture of Romanian central defender Mihai Popescu.

Manager Robbie Neilson told the Evening News that a full-back is next on his priority list, with a midfielder and forward potentially to come before the transfer window shuts on October 5.

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Neilson had originally hoped to recruit a left-sided centre-back who could also operate at full-back. However, after signing Popescu from Dinamo Bucharest on a two-year contract, a separate left-back is now on the agenda.

Hearts currently have the Australian Ben Garuccio and Englishman Aidy White in that position as teenager Aaron Hickey waits to complete a move to Bologna.

“I'm still looking to bring another left-back in because I think we need one,” said Neilson. “If we can do that, then we can look at the centre midfield position. That depends on things moving properly and everything being in place financially.

“That should hopefully be us. Towards the end of the window, I might look to bring in one more attacking threat but it's not needed at the moment.”

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French midfielder Yann Songo’o was on trial at Riccarton recently but did not to enough to earn a contract.

In addition to Popescu, Hearts have signed wide players Jordan Roberts and Elliott Frear plus goalkeeper Craig Gordon on permanent deals ahead of the new season.

Winger Josh Ginnelly and keeper Ross Stewart also arrived on loan from Preston North End and Livingston respectively.

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