NO JANUARY SPENDING SPREE FOR HEARTS

TONY BLOOM won't pile more cash into Hearts to turbocharge a title challenge in January because UEFA rules prohibit it.

- BY ROSS PILCHER

The table-toppers sit five points clear of Celtic and victory over Brendan Rodgers' side at Tynecastle on Sunday would surely cement them as credible Premiership contenders after an almost flawless start to the season under Derek McInnes, left.

Brighton owner Bloom, who also has a controlling stake in Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise, pumped £10million into the Jambos this summer as he bought a 29% stake in the club.

It's been suggested that if Hearts are still flying high come New Year, Bloom could make more funds available to try to get them over the line for a historic achievement.