McInnes: We had to go for Altena now

DEREK MCINNES revealed Hearts felt compelled to act fast on Jordi Altena as they were wary of missing out on the Dutch right-back.

- BY ANTHONY BROWN

The Jambos announced yesterday that the 22-year-old (below) will officially join them on January 1 for an undisclosed fee - reportedly in excess of £500,000 - on a deal until 2029 after he was unearthed through the club's partnership with Jamestown Analytics.

Altena drew interest from Union Saint-Gilloise, Real Valladolid and DC United, among others, amid a strong start to the season with Dutch second-tier side RKC Waalwijk following a spell in the amateur ranks with De Treffers.

"He's a player that has been flagged up for a few months now," said Hearts boss McInnes.