Hearts are closing in on a deal for Melbourne City defender Nathaniel Atkinson.
The Jambos have agreed a deal with the A-League side and are now in the process of awaiting a work permit.
Hearts hope that will come this week and will allow Atkinson to train and be available for the New Year derby with Hibs.
Sporting director Joe Savage and head coach Robbie Neilson have both identified the right-back as a key bit of business in January.
The 22-year-old has already played for Australia at under-20 and 23 level and is seen as a future Socceroo.
Atkinson came through the youth set-up at Melbourne City, making his first team debut in 2017.
Hearts have already done business in Australia this season when signing midfielder Cameron Devlin from Newcastle Jets in the summer.
A number of players from Down Under have played for the Premiership heavyweights, with Patrick Kisnorbo, Dylan McGowan, and Ryan McGowan previously pulling on the maroon shirt.
Neilson's side currently lie third in the table, five points above Motherwell.
