Heart of Midlothian are not lining up a move for Kilmarnock star Dan Armstrong.

A report stated that the club "have a strong interest" in the 26-year-old. Hearts Standard understands, however, that is not the case and he is not someone that will be pursued.

At the recent AGM held at Tynecastle Park, a shareholder posed a question regarding Armstrong and whether he was someone the club have considered. Sporting director Joe Savage revealed Kilmarnock's valuation of the player, who is contracted until the summer of 2025, is seven figures.

Armstrong has been a big player for Derek McInnes and Killie playing on the right with his inswinging crosses a real threat. No player has crossed the ball more in the Premiership this campaign. Last season he hit double figures for both goals and assists.

Hearts' priority in the January transfer window is adding a right-back. Head coach Steven Naismith spoke on the club's transfer plans ahead of the weekend's 2-0 win over Celtic.

"I wouldn't expect us to be doing loads," he told the BBC. "I think the clear area that we need to improve is right-back. We lost Odel going back to Brighton and Natty Atkinson has had an injury. We've really struggled in that area so that is the obvious one.

"Other than that, we'll look around for if there are areas that we can improve the squad. But I said when I first came in, gone are the days that you should be changing five, six, seven, eight, nine players a season.

"You want to try and recruit players that maybe you don't need right away that you can then give time to settle in. I think we have suffered from that as well at points with some of our signings that have had to come in and it has been a big ask for them.

"Recruitment is one of the most important parts of every club. I think in Scotland in terms of where the market is it is so important for investment and to get a return on your investment and it to be the difference in games."

Meanwhile, Hearts have announced goalkeeper Liam McFarlane has signed a new deal, keeping him at the club until 2026. The 19-year-old has been a valuable player for Liam Fox's B team, starting every match this season in the Lowland League.

"I think this is a reward for his performances," Fox told the club's website. "Liam is currently enjoying a consistent run of games and producing a consistent level of performance, but also his attitude and application off the pitch has improved in every area. 

"This is a good step for him and we are pleased for him as we have seen big improvements in his game. The job for him is to keep pushing and working every single day as he has four really good goalkeepers in front of him. So, the challenge for him is to keep working really hard to put pressure on the other goalkeepers at the club."