Derek McInnes, Hearts’ head coach, declined to comment on Altena until everything was settled. “There’s nothing I can say about that,” he said when asked about the planned transfer today. “Only that we’re looking to make a handful of signings this window.

Obviously, Islam [Chesnokov] is one. We’re hoping to do a couple more and come out a little stronger than we are now.” “It is more on the paperwork side. “We’re still hopeful that we can get him enough training,” McInnes said.

“He’s communicating with our sports science department, and he’s following a plan that we’ve devised for him, so that side of things is going well. We’re hoping he’ll be involved against Livingston [on January 3]. It may be a tough ask given all of the obstacles, but if we can get him in sometime next week, it will certainly strengthen our case.”

McInnes emphasised the importance of conducting transfer business as soon as possible, given the limited time frame of January. “Yes, I believe that’s crucial. I believe we know how vital each game is. Every three points is critical.It’s like anything if you can close transactions.

It’s dubbed the January window, but because poker is a game, clubs often don’t get anything done until the last few days.

Everyone is looking to secure the greatest price for their club. If you can strike fast in the window — from the beginning to the end of the window is four or five games — you will benefit from it.

“Kenneth Vargas, a Costa Rican international forward, is another deal that needs to be concluded. He has been on loan from Hearts to CS Herediano in his home country, but he is set to sign a longer-term loan agreement with rivals Deportiva Alajuelense next month.

“I think maybe Kenny’s looking to get the best option for him to keep playing regular football,” according to McInnes.

Hearts have verbally agreed to acquire St Johnstone’s Josh McPake on a pre-contract basis, but there are no plans for the former Rangers forward to join in January. “No, nothing further forward, I’d just obviously leave that to the club to try and deal with,” replied McInnes. “I spoke with St Johnstone about Adam Forrester the other day, and it was not even discussed.

I have a terrific relationship with them, and I certainly know a lot of people there. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is unlikely to move on loan next month, while Zander Clark may leave if a fair deal is available.

With Alexander Schwolow entrenched as Hearts’ first-choice keeper under McInnes, Gordon is second in command, with Clark inactive as third.

“Obviously, we’ve got a lot of goalkeepers at the minute and we just need to see,” replied McInnes. “When someone comes in, we simply look at their individual scenario.

We have not received any questions regarding any of our goalkeepers at this time.” Following Sunday’s thrilling 2-1 triumph over Rangers, McInnes is preparing Hearts to face Hibs at Easter Road two days after Christmas.

Claudio Braga suffered some bruises during the match, while defender Craig Halkett was sidelined due to a slight knee injury.

Both are set to be fit to face Hibs, with midfielder Beni Baningime returning and left-back Harry Milne free from suspension.”Everybody from the weekend is fine,” McInnes stated.

“Braga took a couple of sore ones on his ankle, and it is a little swollen. His second day of rehabilitation was spent at home today. He didn’t do much walking, so he spent more time in the gym.

He thinks he’ll train tomorrow, so I don’t think he’s worried about anything this weekend.

Craig Halkett ticked all the boxes with the physio today; his knee has eased down, and he will train fully with the team tomorrow. Harry Milne has returned from suspension, leaving only three injured lads.