BY ALAN TEMPLE – Capital City Press
Hearts will today complete the signing of Belgian youth internationalist Arnaud Djoum – as they run the rule over former English Premier League winger Jerome Thomas.
Djoum, 26, is a free agent after leaving Polish champions Lech Poznan in the close season and spent last week on trial with the Jambos, impressing head coach Robbie Neilson.
He was offered a deal at the weekend and returned to his homeland to weigh up a switch to Tynecastle.
He jetted into Edinburgh again to iron out the final details of his contract yesterday and will formally put pen to paper on a deal until January this morning although, with international clearance still to be granted, he will not face Kilmarnock tonight.
Cameroon-born Djoum, who was a teammate of Scottish star Barry Douglas in Poznan last season, has also turned out for FC Brussels, Anderlecht, Roda JC, Akhisar Belediyespor.
Speaking prior to the signing, Neilson said: “Arnaud came in last week and did really well.
“He’s a good player and there are guys like that who become available. They’re out of contract and they wait and they wait. He’s got a good CV, good experience and has fitted into the group well. I think he’ll be a good addition.”
Hearts are also eyeing Thomas, with the former Crystal Palace wide man currently training with the capital club.
The 32-year-old has not played a competitive game for nine months and was released in the close season by the Eagles.
However, former Arsenal youngster Thomas boasts excellent pedigree, with 145 appearances in the top-flight south of the border with Charlton, Portsmouth, West Brom and Palace.
The Jambos are initially only providing training facilities as Jerome attempts to regain his fitness and find a club, however they are understood to be willing to offer him a deal if he impresses.
