Derek McInnes will not be drawn on Hearts’ January transfer targets

Derek McInnes refused to be drawn on Hearts’ pursuit of Dutch defender Jordi Altena amid reports that the William Hill Premiership leaders are set to sign the 22-year-old in January for a six-figure fee.

The Jambos have predominantly utilised midfielder Oisin McEntee and centre-back Michael Steinwender at right-back and are intent on strengthening that position for the second half of their campaign.

Asked at a press conference on Tuesday about the prospect of signing Altena, McInnes said: “I can’t say anything on anything at the minute. Like every manager, we’re looking to try and bring in a couple in the window if we can.

“I did say over the last couple of weeks, it’s important that as pleased as we are with our work, we’re still looking to try and come out the window stronger than we go into it, and hopefully that is the case.

“Hopefully you understand that with any players that we’re linked with, until these things are done, it’s difficult for me to comment on.”

Hearts now benefit from access to the unique expertise of Jamestown Analytics, meaning they are trying to be as secretive as possible with their recruitment in order to prevent alerting rivals with greater financial clout to their targets before deals are finalised.

“In this world it’s hard to keep things too wrapped up,” said McInnes. “I think, regardless of Jamestown or anything else, you’re always reluctant to speak about things and be too open until things are actually done.

“I’ve been around this game long enough where just when you think you’ve got something done, it can be taken away from you like that.

“Once you get things signed and sealed, we’re happy to talk as long as we want about the qualities of any player coming in the door, but we’re always a bit reluctant to and a bit nervous until we actually get things over the line.”

Hearts agreed a pre-contract in the summer to sign Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov and McInnes hopes the 26-year-old will arrive in Edinburgh in the coming days with a view to potentially being involved against Livingston on January 3.

“Islam is liaising with our sports science department on a programme to do some work just now,” said McInnes. “It’s all about trying to do the various paperwork and jump through the hoops, but we’re still hoping to get him here in the coming days.

“We’re in constant dialogue with him. It’s been a long time coming this one, but he will be here.

“If he can be involved for Livingston in terms of, through his fitness work and through the paperwork that’s required, then great. For all that to play out, it might be a big ask, but we’re certainly working towards that if we can.”