Hearts coach Neil Critchley expects to add more players to his squad next January, but admitted he could lose defender Key Rowles.
MLS club DC United have shown interest in the Australian international who joins the Jambos in 2022 from the Central Coast Mariners.
Captain Lawrence Shankland's future is also unclear as the Scottish striker enters the final six months of his contract. As do his teammates Craig Gordon, Xander Clarke, Barry McKay, Liam Boyce and Jorge Grant.
Sunday, January 12 at 2:30 pm
Departure at 3:00 pm
The Tynecastle club have already been busy this window, securing the permanent signing of former St Johnstone defender Jimmy McCart and adding Elton Kabango on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise. But what does the rest of the window hold for the club? That's what Critchley said Sky Sports News…
Can Rawls leave?
Hearts player Kei Rowles is wanted by Major League Soccer club DC United
“Yes, there was (interest).”
“In January, you're always looking to bring in players, but you always have to be prepared for 'what if' scenarios, and people are absolutely entitled to come in and bid or negotiate with your players.
“Kei has been fantastic, he has played almost every minute since I have been here and he is absolutely right, he is attracting suitors from elsewhere.
“We're not looking to lose him, but in this day and age, every player has a price.”
Will there be more departures?
Lawrence Shankland is currently injured and out of contract at the end of this season
“We discuss that internally about our strategy and plan to take the club forward. Sometimes players can speak for you on the pitch, and they can answer the questions we ask internally by coaching well and playing well.
“They always have the option to change your mind or reinforce what you already think with how they coach every day and how they play.
“In January, we are looking to consolidate, but we are also looking beyond the summer and hopefully the picture will become clearer in the next few months in terms of what we want to do.
“(Lawrence) Shankland's contract situation has been well publicised, all I can say is he's the leader here and he's been fantastic during my time here.
“He gave everything for the team, he leads by example, and I'm happy to have him here. As long as that continues I'm happy.”
Do you expect more signings?
Daniel Armstrong will leave Kilmarnock in the summer on a free, but could Hearts move for the player?
“Any coach will tell you they are always looking to try to improve the team and we are no different.
“We did a huge amount of work at the start of the transfer window which was helpful. I would still be surprised if the team is still the same at the end of January.”
“I'm not going to talk about players from other clubs. Of course, I know Danny Armstrong because he was at Kilmarnock and played in this league for a number of years and did very well.
“We want to improve our team, we have identified areas on the pitch that we want to try and strengthen, but it would be wrong of me to talk about the Kilmarnock player.”
Can Kabango participate against Aberdeen?
Elton Kabangu was Hearts' first signing in January
“He's got a work permit so he's eligible to play. He's here training with us so he'll be in contention for the team at the end of the week.”
“He will bring a different dimension to our forward line. Movement, athleticism, ability to stretch the line and he is a goalscorer.
“I think he will add something different to what we have at the top of the pitch. But in the last two games we have been in good form and won two games, so he has also put up a fight for his team.” Hands on to join the team.”
