Stephen Humphrys Hearts transfer in the works as Robbie Neilson hunts Liam Boyce replacement

Hearts are working on a deal to sign Stephen Humphrys from Wigan.

Robbie Neilson is in the deadline day market for a striker after Liam Boyce was ruled out for several months with a cruciate ligament injury. The Northern irishman was stretchered off during the weekend win over St Johnstone after scoring and subsequent scans confirmed that the 31-year-old had ruptured the ligament in his knee and is set to go under the knife as soon as possible.

With only Lawrence Shankland in the Hearts squad as a recognised senior striker, reinforcements in that area are desperately needed at Tynecastle. Last night’s 1-0 Premier Sports Cup defeat at home to Kilmarnock highlighted the need for extra firepower in addition to Shankland and young forward Euan Henderson. Reports of the Jambos’ interest in Humphrys emerged earlier today and Record Sport now understands a deal is in the works ahead of the transfer window closing later tonight.

Robbie Neilson admitted that he and sporting director Joe Savage would prefer to make permanent signings, but acknowledged that loan deals are more likely at this late stage in the window. It’s understood it would be a loan switch for Humphrys, who still has two years to run on his Wigan contract.

The 24-year-old scored 5 times in 38 appearances for Wigan last season. He helped fire the Lancashire club to the English League Two title. However, he’s only featured twice in the Championship under manager Leam Richardson this season and once in the EFL Cup.

Humphrys, who can play through the middle or wide of a front three, came through the ranks at Fulham before joining Southend United in 2019. He spent a season at Roots Hall before moving on to Rochdale and 14 goals in 47 games at Spotland convinced