Rix nearing further acquisitions

Hearts head coach Graham Rix insists the club are moving closer to adding to the signing of midfielder Lee Johnson from Yeovil.

The Tynecastle outfit have entered face-to-face talks with Bosnia international winger Mirsad Beslija after he flew into the capital earlier this week.

Hearts have reportedly agreed a £850,000 (€1.2m) deal with Belgian side Racing Genk for Beslija.

Lithuanian international Nerijus Barasa is also set to be handed a deal following his trial stint with the Bank of Scotland Premier League title chasers.

Rix refused to put a number on how many players he wants to sign during the January transfer window after completing the signing of Johnson on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

However, the former Chelsea coach admits they are moving in the right direction with regards to freshening up the current “threadbare” squad.

Rix said: “There are still a lot of things we need to go through as deals are a complicated process and it could still all go wrong.

“We are closer to bringing in one or two of our targets and there are a few things that we have to talk through and negotiate.

“I have been impressed with Nerijus Barasa as he is a good footballer and, as a Lithuanian international, knows what he is doing, but nothing has been finalised.

“Mirsad Beslija is very quick and very strong and he is a talented lad.

“He knows what he is doing and he would also be a great addition.

“Hearts definitely need players to make the squad better but I want lads to come here because they want to play for this club.

“All of the players that were mentioned certainly fit that bill.

“I feel the Hearts squad is threadbare and we need greater strength and depth.”

Meanwhile, Rix has predicted new signing Johnson, son of Gary who was linked with the manager’s job at Tynecastle following the departure of John Robertson last season, will have a bright future at the club.

He said: “Lee can play a number of midfield positions, he is good with the ball, he has got good energy and he is competitive, and he wants to win.

“He is full of ambition and confidence and he wants to better himself. He is the sort of player we want.”