Hearts transfer news: Neil Critchley on futures of Kye Rowles and Lawrence Shankland, plus interest in Daniel Armstrong | Football News


Hearts boss Neil Critchley expects to add more players to his squad this January, but admitted he could lose defender Kye Rowles.

MLS club DC United have shown interest in the Australia international who joined the Jambos in 2022 from the Central Coast Mariners.

Captain Lawrence Shankland's future is also unclear as the Scotland striker enters the final six months of his contract; as well as teammates Craig Gordon, Zander Clark, Barrie McKay, Liam Boyce and Jorge Grant.

Sunday, January 12, 2:30 p.m

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The Tynecastle club have already been busy this term, securing the permanent signing of former St Johnstone defender Jamie McCart and adding Elton Kabangu on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise. But what does the rest of the window hold for the club? Here's what Critchley had to say Sky Sports News

Can Rowles leave?

Hearts' Kye Rowles is wanted by MLS club DC United
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Hearts' Kye Rowles is wanted by MLS club DC United

“Yes, there was (interest).

“In January you always want to bring in players but you always have to be prepared for 'what if' scenarios and people have the right to come in and bid or negotiate your players.

“Kye has been fantastic, he's played literally every minute since I've been here and quite rightly, he would attract suitors from elsewhere.

“We don't want to lose him, but nowadays every player has a price.”

Will there be more departures?

Lawrence Shankland is currently injured and out of contract at the end of this season
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Lawrence Shankland is currently injured and out of contract at the end of this season

“We talk about it internally about our strategy and our plan to move the club forward. Sometimes the players can speak for you on the pitch, they can answer the questions we ask internally by training and playing well.

“They always have the option to change your mind or cement what you're already thinking about how they train every day and how they play.

“In January we want to strengthen but we are also looking further into the summer and hopefully in the next few months the picture will become clearer in terms of what we want to do.

“It's been well publicized about (Lawrence) Shankland's contract situation, all I can say is he's the captain here and he's been brilliant in my time here.

“He gave everything for the team, he leads by example and I'm glad he's here. As long as it lasts, I'm happy.”

Are you expecting more signatures?

Daniel Armstrong is set to leave Kilmarnock for free in the summer - so will the club cash in during January instead?
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Daniel Armstrong is set to leave Kilmarnock on a free in the summer, but could Hearts make a move for the player?

“Any head coach would tell you they're always looking to improve the team and we're no different.

“We did a lot of work at the start of the window which was helpful. I would still be surprised if the squad was the same by the end of January.

“I'm not going to talk about players from other clubs. Of course, I am aware of Danny Armstrong because he was at Kilmarnock and played in this league for a number of years and he played very well.

“We want to improve our squad, we've identified areas on the pitch that we want to try and strengthen, but it would be wrong for me to talk about a Kilmarnock player.”

Can Kabangu feature against Aberdeen?

Elton Kabangu was Hearts' first January signing
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Elton Kabangu was Hearts' first January signing

“He was granted a work permit so he has the right to play. He is here training with us so he will be fighting for the team at the weekend.

“He will bring a different dimension to our front line. Mobility, athleticism, ability to stretch the line and he is a scorer.

“I think he will add something different to what we have at the top of the pitch. But the last few games we have been in good form and we have won a few games, so he is also fighting to get into the team.”



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