Hearts are in talks with defender Peter Haring with a view to making the Austrian Craig Levein’s ninth summer recruit.

The 25-year-old has activated a clause in his deal that will allow him to leave club SV Reid after the second-tier outfit failed to earn promotion.

It is understood that Haring is yet to put pen to paper on a contract but the centre-half could be unveiled before the end of the week if negotiations progress in the coming days.

The former Rapid Vienna and SC Austria Lustenau player made a total of 36 appearances las season as SV Reid finished fourth in the Erste Liga.

Levein is keen to bolster his options at the back and is still hoping that veteran Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes commits to another season at the age of 38.

Speaking recently, Levein, who could sign up to four more players, said: “I’m still working on a few things.

“We need a centre-back. Even if Aaron Hughes does stay, I still need another central defender. That’s something I’m looking at.”

Levein has so far been the busiest Premiership manager during the summer transfer window having already snapped up Zdenek Zlamal, Ben Garuccio, Olly Lee, Bobby Burns, Ryan Edwards, Jake Mulraney, Uche Ikpeazu and Steven MacLean.

Levein is also keen on bringing back Steven Naismith, Demi Mitchell and David Milinkovic after all three impressed during their respective loan spells from Norwich City, Manchester United and Genoa last term.