Algeria defender Ismael Bouzid has signed for Hearts from Turkish club Ankaragucu. The 25-year-old, said: "I am very pleased to be joining Hearts. It is a European club that I am aware of and I know it is a very strong club. I am looking forward to playing my part in making the club successful."

He holds dual French/Algerian nationality and does not require a work permit.

Jambos boss Csaba Laszlo had been tracked the centre-half for some time.

"He is a very good experienced player that can help us," he said.

"We have had him on our radar since last season.

"He is physically very strong, quick and is good in the air. I think he can help organise our defence because he has a very good personality.

"Ismael can definitely help us because Kari (Christos Karipidis) and (Christophe) Berra left the club last season.

"Now we have him, Marius Zaliukas and Dawid Kucharski, with Ryan McGowan and Jose Goncalves - who can also play central defence - we can close this part of our squad."