Hearts transfer news: James Hill, Yutaro Oda and Garang Kuol join while Callum Paterson deal is close | Football News

Hearts have signed Japanese striker Yutaro Oda and secured loan deals for James Hill and Garang Kuol, with a possible move for Callum Paterson close.

Oda arrived from Vissel Kobe on a three-and-a-half-year deal, with the 21-year-old already playing in Japan’s top flight, the Asian Champions League and featuring for Japan U21s.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson said: “He’s got a lot of good attributes but the good thing is he’s still young and there’s more to come from him so we’ve got a big part to play in developing him.

“He is very fast, direct and technically very good. He will bring a lot to the team and we all look forward to working with him.”

Sporting director Joe Savage added: “We have made no secret of our desire to focus on markets around the world in an effort to identify talent and value for money.

“In Yutaro, we feel we’ve got both. He’s someone we’ve been looking at for a long time and, thankfully, he can bring all the pieces to the club.”

Hill joined Hearts on loan

Hill, 21, came through the ranks at Fleetwood Town and has been capped four times for England U20s.

The defender then moved to current parent club Bournemouth last January, and is a welcome addition to Neilson who have been without key players this season through injury, including defender Craig Halkett.

“We’ve been unlucky with injuries in defence, and while the guys there have performed well, it’s always been a priority to get another defender,” Neilson said.

“James has had great experience playing at a high level down south and with England U20s and U21s and I’m sure he’ll do well when it’s time for him to play for Hearts.”

Savage added: “James is someone we want and we’ve beaten off a lot of competition to get him, so we’re delighted.

“To be able to bring in a player from England, especially an England U21 internationalist like James, shows that this club is respected in football and it’s a tribute to all the hard work that goes into the park at Hearts.

“We know the areas we want to strengthen and fans can rest assured that we are continuing to work to ensure this is a successful transfer window for the club.”

Kuol joined on loan from Newcastle

Hearts have also completed the signing of a teenage Australian international Garang Kuol on loan from Newcastle.

The 18-year-old, who played for the Socceroos at the World Cup in Qatar, visited the Jambos training base last week with a view to a move to Edinburgh to accelerate his development after joining the Magpies this month from the Central Coast Mariners. homeland.

Another target Hearts are targeting is former players Callum Patersonalthough it remains to be seen if Sheffield Wednesday are willing to let him go this month.

“Both athletic directors have spoken, we’re just waiting for a response,” Neilson said. “Callum’s contract is up at the end of the season so we’ve spoken to him about his future. He’s at Sheffield Wednesday now.”

Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will move this season? The January transfer window is closed midnight in Scotland the Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip in our dedicated Transfer Center Blog at Sky Sports’ digital platform. You can also catch up with in, out and analysis Sky Sports News.