Hearts plot move for Bournemouth star Ben Winterburn
Bournemouth centre-midfielder Ben Winterburn is a target for Scottish Premiership side Hearts this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Winterburn, who can play in both midfield and defence, is entering the final year of his contract at the Vitality Stadium this summer.
Hearts have enjoyed major success in recent transfer windows, utilising Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics, and have now identified versatile performer Winterburn as a promising talent.
The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Barnet, has come through the ranks at Bournemouth and made seven first-team appearances for his boyhood club.
He notched 21 appearances during his loan spell in League Two this term, making 10 starts and adding one assist for his team.
Hearts ready to shop in English market once again
Hearts have gained a reputation for scouring obscure markets for their signings since the start of Bloom's involvement.
The English lower leagues have provided them with several excellent additions in recent years, with the likes of Oisin McEntee and Marc Leonard making strong impacts in 2025-26.
They are already dipping into that market once again this summer, with the Jambos closing in on a move for York City defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott, and Winterburn now also on their radar.
Bloom's recruitment strategy is all about finding value for money from a range of different sources, and Winterburn is a player who Hearts rate highly.
The youngster may not have much senior experience to his name so far in his career, but Hearts see him as a promising starlet who is likely to be available on the cheap this summer.
Bournemouth's continued progression has seen them secure Europa League football for 2026-27, and that could make opportunities for youngsters like Winterburn very limited.
UEFA have 'question marks' over Tony Bloom at Hearts
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that UEFA have "question marks" over Bloom's involvement at Hearts.
This comes after all three of Bloom's clubs - Hearts, Brighton and Union Saint-Gilloise - all qualified for European football for next term.
Wyness believes that the fact that Bloom is only a minority shareholder at Tynecastle will save him on this occasion, but he emphasised that there could be "storm clouds" ahead for him.
The former boardroom man made it clear that UEFA will explore Bloom's "empire" in the coming years, and that could pose problems for Hearts later down the line.