Hearts boss Neil Critchley expects to add more players to his squad this January but has admitted he could lose defender Kai Rowles.
MLS club DC United have shown interest in the Australian international, who joined the Jumbos in 2022 from the Central Coast Mariners.
Senior Lawrence Shankland’s future is also unclear as the Scotland striker enters the final six months of his contract. as are teammates Craig Gordon, Xander Clarke, Barry McKay, Liam Boyce and Jorge Grant.
Sunday, January 12 at 2:30 p.m
Start: 15:00
The Tynecastle club have already been busy this window, securing the permanent signing of former St Johnstone defender Jamie McCarthy on loan from Union Saint-Giloise Sky Sports News…
Can Rawls leave?
Hearts’ Kye Rowles wants to sign MLS club DC United
“Yes, there was (interest).
“In January you always look to bring in players but you always have to be prepared for what if scenarios and people have every right to come in and make offers or negotiate with your players.
“Kaye has been fantastic, he’s played almost every minute I’ve been here and quite rightly he would attract suitors from elsewhere.
“We don’t want to lose him, but in this era every player has a price.”
Will there be more departures?
Lawrence Shankland is currently injured and out of contract at the end of the season
“We discuss it internally about our strategy and our plan to take the club forward. Sometimes the players can speak for you on the pitch, they can answer the questions we ask internally by training well and playing well.
“They always have a chance to change your mind or reinforce what you already think about how they train and play every day.
“We’re looking to strengthen in January, but we’re also looking further into the summer and hopefully over the next few months the picture will become clearer in terms of what we want to do.
“The Lawrence Shankland contract situation has been well publicised, all I can say is he’s the captain here and he’s been brilliant in my time here.
“He’s given everything for the team, he leads by example, and I’m happy he’s here. As long as that continues, I’m happy.”
Are you expecting more signatures?
Daniel Armstrong will leave Kilmarnock on a free in the summer, but could Hearts make a move for the player?
“Any head coach will tell you that they are always looking to improve the team and we are no different.
“At the start of the window we’ve done a lot of small work which has been useful. I’d still be surprised if the team was the same at the end of January.
“I’m not going to talk about other club players. Of course I’m aware of Danny Armstrong because he’s been at Kilmarnock and played in this league for a few years and he’s done very well.
“We want to improve our squad, we’ve identified areas of the pitch that we want to try and strengthen, but it would be wrong of me to talk about a Kilmarnock player.”
Could Kabangu feature against Aberdeen?
Elton Cabangu was Hearts’ first January signing
“He’s got his work permit so he can play. He’s here training with us to be in contention for the squad at the weekend.
“He will bring another dimension to our forward line: mobility, athleticism, ability to stretch the line and score.
“I think he will add something else to what we have at the top end of the pitch. But we’ve been in good form and won a few games, so he’s had his hands full to get into the team.”
