The transfer latest at Hearts as the summer window officially opens

Departures

Jamie Brandon (Livingston), Chris Hamilton (Dunfermline Athletic), John Souttar (Rangers), Jamie Walker (Bradford City, loan made permanent), Alex Cochrane (Brighton & Hove Albion, end of loan), Taylor Moore (Bristol City, end of loan), Ellis Simms (Everton, end of loan), Ben Woodburn (Liverpool, end of loan), Mihai Popescu.

There isn’t too much to fret over here. John Souttar will be a big loss and supporters who adopted the “didn’t fancy him anyway” attitude when he signed a pre-contract with Rangers will soon realise his true value to the team unless a top player is recruited to replace him.

Ellis Simms made a big impact in the second half of the season but Hearts will be looking to recruit a couple of attackers to fill his void. Supporters are eager for his return, though Everton will know his value will rise further if he performs in the English Championship due to the overinflated market down south.

It would have been nice to keep Alex Cochrane but his re-signing with Brighton isn’t a disaster. The versatile defender was solid whenever he played last term and with a long-term future at Brighton unlikely, even if he recently got signed to a new one-year deal, he may still return at some point.

The news Peter Haring is staying for another season was a welcomed boost earlier this week.

Signings so far

Alan Forrest (Livingston), Kye Rowles (Central Coast Mariners), Lewis Neilson (Dundee United)

After testing the patience of the support last season with a number of signings made later in the window – Woodburn, Moore, Beni Baningime, Cammy Devlin and Barrie McKay were all acquired after the Premier Sports Cup group campaign – Hearts appear to be in the mood to get things done early this campaign.

Forrest is a