Following the departures of Michael Stewart and Laryea Kingston, Hearts boss Jim Jefferies admits signing a midfielder is now as much of a priority as bringing in a striker. "Michael Stewart has moved on and it looks like Larry has moved on as well so that's a couple from the midfield we have lost," Jefferies told Hearts.TV.

"Ryan Stevenson has done extremely well for us since he came in and he could be a big player for us next year.

"We have Ian Black and Ruben Palazuelos but maybe another midfield player to take the place of Larry and Michael would be useful and we are certainly looking at a couple of options there.

"We are also looking at strikers and competition for places would be good."

Jefferies may look at testing Ryan McGowan in midfield, with the youngster due to return to Hearts this summer following a loan deal with Ayr United.

"Ryan has caught my eye a couple times playing at right-back for Ayr but people say his best position is in midfield so we'll have a look at him," said Jefferies.

"He will certainly be a useful addition to the squad."