Heart of Midlothian are looking to strike a deal for Colombian left-back Andres Salazar.

The 21-year-old is a target to replace the departed Alex Cochrane and compete with James Penrice for the left-back and wing-back position.

As first reported by Colombian journalist Pilar Velásquez, Hearts are keen to bring the player in on loan with an option to make the deal permanent, similar to the signing of Gerald Taylor.

Salazar currently plays for Colombian giants Atletico Nacional and received full international honours last year in a friendly win over Iraq. He was on the bench a few days later when his country played Germany. His cap arrived after 27 appearances for Colombia's Under-20s.

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He is the type of profile the club like when bringing players in from abroad, having been around his country's international set-up and is young with potential. He is capable of playing as a full-back or further up the pitch. His style is that of an aggressive front-foot defender who will face up his opponent and he likes to drive forward with the ball and cross the ball into the box, whether it is high up the pitch or from deeper positions.

Salazar last featured for his club in April so could take time to get up to speed but has played at the top level in his homeland as well as the Copa Libertadores. He also enjoyed a loan spell with Fortaleza earlier in his career. 

The player has dealt with speculation during his career, drawing interest from Mexico while he has been linked with moves to both Porto and Italian side Cagliari.

His signing could take the summer arrivals to nine providing Hearts complete the signing of midfielder Malachi Boateng.