A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR JORDI

Altena loves the whole Tynecastle 'vibe'

- BY DARREN JOHNSTONE

JORDI ALTENA admits he jumped at the chance to join Hearts after being seduced by the “vibe” at Tynecastle.

The Dutch right-back has become the Premiership leaders' first January signing after moving from Waalwijk in his homeland for a fee in excess of £500,000.

Jambos boss Derek McInnes had initially lined up the 22-year-old for next summer but was forced to act now with other club's circling.

Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise - linked to Hearts through Tony Bloom - Spanish outfit Real Valladolid and DC United in the MLS were also credited with an interest in the attacking full back.

But Altena admits he had his heart set on Gorgie as soon as he spoke to the club.

Altena, who could make his debut in tomorrow's visit of Livingston, said: “I’m very, very happy to be here.

“I saw many videos of Hearts when I was back home in the Netherlands but when I see it now in real life, it’s amazing and I'm happy to be here.

“The last few weeks have gone quite quickly and now I'm happy to be here and I'm ready to go.