Hearts have held talks with Brighton owner Tony Bloom that could lead to the Tynecastle outfit utilising the entrepreneur’s analytical company for player recruitment.

Discussions have been taking place since the early part of 2024 and, although no deal as yet has been finalised, if an agreement is reached it would lead to Bloom becoming a minority shareholder at Hearts and investing a multi-million pound amount.

No cash is expected to change hands immediately, with both sides having options to proceed at some point in the future.

Majority shareholders the Foundation of Hearts would need to vote through their agreement, with a 90% threshold required.

Brighton and Hearts declined to comment.

Bloom’s company has been utilised by the Premier League club and Belgium’s Union Saints- Gilloise.