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Hearts are reportedly interested in signing centre back Conor Shaughnessy on loan from Leeds United.

The defender was Edinburgh over the weekend being shown around ahead of the January transfer window opening this week and attended Saturday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.

With the likelihood of Jimmy Dunne’s loan spell from Burnley being extended following his current injury decreasing as time time goes by, Craig Levein needs more defensive cover with John Souttar still out and Clevid Dikamona having played through the pain barrier in the win over Hibs.

Levein admitted he needed a defender who was ready to come in and play after considering a trial for ex-Celtic youngster Ciaran McKenna.

He said: "We spoke about him but we need an experienced centre-back. I’m not sure we’re going to get Jimmy back and I need another centre-back.

"At one point I was going to have a look (at McKenna) but I thought I can’t afford to bring in a young one when I might need somebody to play almost immediately after the winter break. I think it’s more important that we bring in a more experienced player.

"Jimmy’s got his injury, he’s back down the road, there’s that distance, and sometimes that makes you feel something won’t happen. I’m preparing for him maybe not being here, but if he’s here I’ll be delighted. I would think he’d be fit for the Livingston cup game.”

Shaughnessy, brother of St Johnstone defender Joe, hasn’t featured for Leeds’ first team since August and is in need of more regular game time if he’s to force himself in to Mecelo Bielsa’s plans.

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