Wouter Vrancken is set to replace Robbie Neilson as Hearts manager after leaving Belgian side St Truiden, where he guided the club to a third‑place Pro League finish. He interviewed alongside former AZ Alkmaar boss Maarten Martens and ex‑Feyenoord coach René Hake. Hearts hope his experience will lift a squad currently hovering near the relegation zone.

Hearts have entered talks with Lyon over Portuguese striker Claudio Braga, demanding roughly £8.6 million for the 26‑year‑old. The club also listed Zwolle forward Koen Kostons as a target, willing to spend about £1.3 million. Defender Michael Steinwender may move to German side Bochum, promising a six‑figure profit for Hearts. Rangers, meanwhile, seek £20 million for Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin as Premier League and Serie A suitors close in.

Middlesbrough have been linked with Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, though West Ham and Southampton also hover. Serie A side Venezia target Scotland striker Che Adams, while Torino push for more than the £3.5 million on offer. Celtic monitor Bosnia‑Herzegovina midfielder Ivan Basic and left‑back Marcelo Saracchi, but no formal bids have emerged. Fans will watch closely as the market heats up.