Hearts have completed the signing of defender Michael Steinwender from IFK Vernamo on a three-and-a-half year deal as Neil Critchley steps up his Jambos' rebuild.

The centre back becomes Critchley’s third signing of the January window for a six-figure fee and arrives as a straight replacement for Kye Rowles following the Aussie international's £600,000 move to DC United. With Frankie Kent on the injured list it’s left the Hearts backline short and Steinwender is seen as an ideal addition having been on the Tynecastle radar for some time.

The 24-year-old, who was flagged up by the Jambos' link-up with Jamestown Analytics, has agreed a deal through to the summer of 2028 after completing a medical on Monday.

READ MORE: Sander Kartum on way to Hearts as six-figure deal struck for SK Brann midfielder

READ MORE: The Celtic 'perfect story' Brendan Rodgers can't avoid as boss eyes a rare career first

Critchley said: “We’re really delighted to get this deal for Michael completed as it’s taken a lot of hard work from everyone at the club these past few months to bring him to Hearts. He is someone we have identified that we believe has all the attributes to be a success in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe.

"He already has several seasons of experience in Austria and Sweden and at the age of 24 he has the potential to develop further in his career. We are pleased with the work we have done so far to strengthen the squad in January and we are all looking forward to working with Michal in the future.”

The 6ft 3in former Austria U19 international broke through in his homeland with Mattersburg before moving on to spells at St Polten and Hartberg. Last year he joined IFK Varnamo and in November helped the Swedish side stave-off relegation from the top flight via the play-offs.

Hearts are also hoping to finalise a deal for SK Brann midfielder Sander Kartum who travelled to Scotland today after the Tynecastle side agreed a £320,000 deal for the 29-year-old. Tobol Kostanay winger Islam Chesnokov also remains a target as Critchley looks to add another dimension to his frontline.