Former Brighton youngster Alex Cochrane is being targeted for a return to England after impressing in Scotland with Hearts.
Southampton are among the clubs monitoring left back Cochrane, with the 22 year-old also attracting interest from Championship pair QPR and Coventry.
Former England youth international Cochrane joined Hearts permanently in the summer following a successful loan spell last season which included a run to the Scottish Cup final.
He has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Scottish Premiership this season, helping Hearts to third place in the table.
Cochrane has displayed his versatility for Robbie Nielson’s side, also performing as a left-sided centre back and also wingback, and been a near ever-present starting all but one of Hearts’ games this season with the August clash against St Johnstone only missed due to suspension.
Italian sides Verona and Bologna, who signed Aaron Hickey from Hearts in 2020, also have Cochrane on their radars.
But Hearts signed Cochrane on a three-year deal and will be reluctant to lose him mid-season as they look to secure European football again.
