Former Hibs ace linked to Sheffield United move as Hearts transfer tool branded envy of the footballing world

Minds are focused on the Edinburgh derby this weekend but there’s plenty more to discuss when it comes to Hearts and Hibs.

The pair collide at Easter Road in the Premiership on Saturday as they fight at the right end of the top flight. Hearts are looking to further cement their place in first, while Hibs seek a key win in the race for European football that is beginning to take shape, and January’s transfer window looms large too.

Then there are some stars on both sides at AFCON in Morocco as Hearts and Hibs aces target international glory this festive period. From one former Hibee’s link to Sheffield United and a Hearts transfer tool the envy of many, here are some of the latest headlines regarding both Edinburgh clubs.

Pierre Landry Kabore at AFCON

Hearts striker Kabore started up front for Burkina Faso on Christmas Eve in their opening AFCON Group Stage match against Equatorial Guinea, winning 2-1 in dramatic fashion. Kabore was subbed after the hour mark after his opponents had been reduced to 10 men and they notched themselves in front. Two second half stoppage time goals, however, secured three major points and heavily boosted Burkina Faso chances of progress.

Head coach Brama Traore said pre-game: “What we have found in terms of conditions is really favourable for all the teams. Everything is in place to allow a good start to this CAF competition, which is one of the best on the African continent. All the top football nations are here in Morocco. We also know that Morocco is very well organised, and we believe the celebration will be beautiful. God willing.”

Former Hibs star linked to Sheffield United transfer

English Championship side Sheffield United have been linked with a move for ex Hibs star Harry Clarke. The defender impressed in Scottish football on loan at Ross County from Arsenal and then Easter Road despite injury issues, and is now with Ipswich Town, where fitness issues have again hit him. Blades boss Chris Wilder is keen for a reunion with the star according to the East Anglian Daily Times.

It’s reported: “It's understood that Sheffield United are keen on a move for Ipswich's Harry Clarke, who spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan with them under Chris Wilder. The right-back hasn't featured for the first team this season, having recovered from a knee injury at the start of the campaign.”

Jamestown Analytics praised

Hearts investor Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics software has become a Scottish football talking point this season amid a strong success rate for the Jambos in the transfer market. He has brought it to Tynecastle and used it to great effect at Brighton, who he has helped establish into a stable Premier League side, and recently appointed sporting director Jason Ayto says it’s the envy of the footballing world.

Former Arsenal assistant sporting director Ayto said of ‘Bloom’s worldwide data bank of players’ in an interview with the Athletic: “It’s a huge competitive advantage for us, part of the DNA of the club. It’s a big marker — something that people look at from the outside and are very envious of — so I’m very glad to be on this side of it. I’m proud to really embrace everything about it and, as you can imagine, to be very protective of it.

“The club’s recruitment is a reference point for the rest of the footballing world, not just Arsenal, so you do try and find out (about it, as an opposing team), but they run a really tight ship here. I’m very happy that it is.”