QPR, Coventry and Luton Town look set to miss out on Brighton defender Alex Cochrane as he closes in on a permanent return to Hearts.
QPR, Coventry City and Luton Town were all mentioned as candidates in the race to sign Cochrane earlier this month.
The Sun reported that the Championship trio were alongside Rotherham United and Cochrane’s former loan club Hearts in the chase to snap up the young defender from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Now, it seems the Scottish Premiership side are set to emerge victorious.
Football Scotland has claimed that the 22-year-old is closing in on a permanent return to Tynecastle. Their report states that the versatile talent was also a target for Reading, though it seems a return to Scotland is on the cards for the promising defender.
Cochrane, who can play as a wing-back, left-back or left-sided centre-back, made a good impression with the Jambos last season.
He managed three goals and four assists in 40 outings, enjoying a successful loan spell away from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Time to look elsewhere?
With Cochrane seemingly poised to move north of the border, QPR, Coventry City, Luton Town and Reading will all have to turn their attention elsewhere in the search for defensive reinforcements.
A player of Cochrane’s versatility and youth won’t be an easy find.
However, the Championship quartet will surely have some suitable alternatives lined up as they prepare their respective squads for the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.
Hearts will be hoping to close out a deal for the sought-after defender as they bid to edge out English competition for Cochrane’s signature.
