2 weeks ago
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RKC Waalwijk right-back Jordi Altena will join Scottish Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian on 1 January for an undisclosed fee, with Tynecastle manager Derek McInnes indicating the club had to move quickly to sign the defender.
The former Vitesse Arnhem player, 22, has made more than 50 senior appearances and agreed a deal until the summer of 2029.
He could feature in Saturday's game at home to Livingston, subject to clearance.
McInnes' side lead the top flight by three points but second-placed Celtic play their game in hand away to Motherwell on Tuesday evening.
"It quickly became clear that if we wanted to move, then the likelihood is he wouldn't be there next season," McInnes said.
"So we had to make a decision. We all liked what we saw from Jordi. He's a good age, obviously. He's somebody who has got a lot of attacking threats from that full-back position.
"It became clear once we showed a bit of interest and once he was flagged up that there was other clubs also showing interest.
"He's got good quality. Good technically and good use of the ball. Good energy, good off both feet. In the right team, in the right environment, he can thrive with us.
"We're really pleased that we managed to get him in."
Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov, 26, is likely to arrive in Scotland before the weekend but it will probably take him a few weeks to get up to speed with the Scottish game after he completes his move to Hearts from Tobol.
"Islam will come in, he'll fly in on Friday ahead of the game," said McInnes. "He'll be at Tynecastle Saturday. Again, it's probably going to wait two or three days before we can get him registered. That part we can't control. But we're looking forward to eventually getting him here.
"He's probably the player that I've spoken most about in my career as a manager and I haven't got to meet him yet. So, we're really looking forward to getting him in and he's excited to be here as well.
"The wide right position has been an issue. I said this when I came in, wide right at Hearts has been an issue I think for the last few seasons.
"The club thought he was going to be here in the summer but obviously it didn't quite materialise."
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is yet to feature for Hearts this season but has played once for his country.
McInnes does not want to lose Gordon, who turns 43 on Wednesday, in the January window.
"I understand the significance of the interest in Craig," McInnes explained. "Because of the profile of him and he's Scotland's goalkeeper.
"He's our goalkeeper. He wasn't fit at the start of the season. We brought Alex [Schwolow] in.
"He trains well. It's remarkable. The motivation and the professionalism to keep going. He deserves so much credit for that."
McInnes says "nobody's asked the question" about a possible loan move for Gordon.
"Craig never hinted about wanting out on loan," he added.
"We're on the cusp or the prospect of a brilliant season for Hearts. We feel that we can really do something this season. We're all enjoying it. Craig is obviously itching to play his part. But he's also enjoying being here as well and what he's seen.
"He was Scotland's goalkeeper of choice for Steve Clarke when he wasn't playing for us. His intention is to try and push Alex all the way to be played more regularly. We need healthy competition in all positions.
"We're under no pressure for Craig to go out. There is no desire or enthusiasm for anybody at Hearts to want Craig to go out on loan."
