Hearts set transfer sights on 'particular' striker target as Jamestown jackpot set for January payout

Hearts reckon they have hit the jackpot linking up with Jamestown analytics - but CEO Andrew McKinlay admits they desperately need a striker who can find the back of the net.

The Gorgie side's struggles in front of goal - including Lawrence Shankland ’s baffling drop in form - has left the team languishing at the Premiership basement. Hearts have scored just 16 times this season - the joint worst tally in the top-flight. Shankland had been the main man in the past two campaigns - hitting a remarkable 59 goals. But amid his ongoing contract stand-off, the Scotland international has just one to his name so far this season.

And chief executive McKinlay insists recruiting more firepower with the help of Tony Bloom’s analytics company is their top priority in January. He said: “Let's start with the cliche, January is never an easy time to do business. Good players are not generally available in January. We've already approved as a board, the finances available to look at that.

"There's a particular striker we're looking at, but not just one. Often you don't get your first choice. We're looking at a few, all of whom have come from Jamestown. I think we're all aware that the priority would be a striker.”

Asked if the club would be willing to spend money to transfer fee next month, McKinlay added: “It depends on markets and it depends on where you're bringing them.

"Different countries have different seasons and some people's contracts might be out. Yes, if we were restricting ourselves to Scotland or England and we tried to take someone out of contract in January, I wouldn't expect it to be very easy at all.

“You've got to live within your means. We know what our budget is, we know what we'll go to. That's where Jamestown can