Heart of Midlothian Close In On Experienced 28-Year-Old

Heart of Midlothian are looking to strengthen their push for a European spot with the capture of Charlton midfielder Scott Fraser on loan, as reported by the Edinburgh News.

The Scottish Premiership side have already signed Dexter Lembikisa on loan from Wolves, but they’re hoping to add 28-year-old Fraser to their ranks. They’re currently third in the table, and if they remain there, it will earn them a place in the Europa League’s second qualifying round. The Edinburgh side are five points clear of Kilmarnock with a game in hand, but are not resting on their laurels.

Fraser has been deemed a surplus to requirements at the Valley following the arrival of Conor Coventry, and was told by under-pressure manager Michael Appleton he could leave South London. Fraser, who was born in Dundee and has previously played for Dundee United and Airdrieonians, now looks like completing a short-term move to Tynecastle Park.

Fraser played at Tannadice between 2014 to 2018 before signing a two-year deal with League One side Burton Albion. He was a key player for the Brewers, scoring 16 times in 91 outings, before spending a single season with MK Dons. The good form continued there – 14 goals in 50 outings attracted the interest of promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town.

His time at Portman Road was limited, and after just six months in East Anglia, he penned a deal with Charlton that should have kept him at the club until 2025. That now looks unlikely, with Michael Appleton not ‘standing in his way‘ should the player desire a move, despite ten goals in 78 outings for the Addicks.

If a deal is done in time, he could be wearing the purple shirt of Hearts this week as they go up against the city of his birth, Dundee, on Tuesday night.

Site Opinion

This is a great chance for Fraser to kickstart his career. He’s shown decent form for Charlton, but clearly falls behind the likes of Conor Coventry and Conor McGrandles in the pecking order in South London. Their loss is Hearts’ gain, as Fraser should add a goals and attacking flair to their midfield.

They’ll offer him a route into Europe and a chance to shine on a bigger stage. There’s a chance he still harbours international ambitions, having never worn the blue of Scotland, but a third-placed finish with Hearts and a goal or three in Europe could change that. Hearts currently have three players in the Scotland squad, meaning their games get watched.

It’s a great opportunity for Fraser and one that will benefit both parties.