Heart of Midlothian are working on a deal to land their second signing of the January transfer window with the arrival of Scott Fraser on loan from Charlton Athletic.

The 28-year-old could return north to sign until the end of the season, as first reported by the Daily Record, after spending the last five-and-a-half years south of the border.

Hearts, who have already added Dexter Lembikisa, have sought to bolster their midfield ranks following the departure of Andy Halliday to Motherwell and the decision to end Alex Lowry's loan spell from Rangers. Head coach Steven Naismith will also be without the services of Barrie McKay for a period due to the knee injury suffered by the playmaker at the end of the 1-0 win over Hibs.

READ MORE: Hearts avoid Spartans upset: Creative issues, Gordon return, Lembikisa cameo

Fraser emerged through the Dundee United youth academy. He would go on to play more than 100 times for the Tannadice side before joining Burton Albion in League One. Spells at MK Dons, Ipswich Town and Charlton would follow, all in the third tier of English football. He hit double figures at all clubs except for Ipswich.

He has made 22 appearances this campaign with nine starts in the league.

Hearts will return to league action on Tuesday evening at Tynecastle Park against Dundee following the 2-1 win over The Spartans at Ainslie Park in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

Naismith is hopeful Lawrence Shankland will be available once more after missing the cup clash due to illness. 

"He hasn't been about for the last few days so we will see how he is," the Hearts boss said. "I don't know whether he will make Tuesday or not. We will wait and see."