Hearts want to sign young Albion defender Odel Offiah on loan.

Head coach Frankie McAvoy today confirmed the club’s interest in hiring the 20-year-old, who can play at centre-back and on the right, on a season-long deal.

Offiah made Albion’s senior squad last season but was not part of the 33-man group who travelled to the USA for the Summer Series.

Speaking ahead Hearts’ home Europa Conference League third-qualifying round encounter with Rosenborg, McAvoy was asked about Offiah.

He replied: “We’ve looked at him. He is a big, strong, powerful defender who is quick and he is one we are really interested in getting through the door.

“Joe (Hearts’ sporting director Joe Savage) and Naisy (Hearts technical director Steven Naismith) will deal with the recruitment side of things but we like him and, if we can get him in here, we think he will be a good asset to the squad.”