Cochrane returns

The left-sided defender joins the Jambos on a three-year contract from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

A familiar face in Gorgie, Alex spent a hugely successful campaign on loan at Tynecastle Park last season, helping the boys in maroon to secure third place in the cinch Premiership and European football, along with a Scottish Cup Final appearance.

The 22-year-old displayed his versatility on the left side of the pitch, making 40 first team appearances for the Jam Tarts and scoring three goals.

Having become Robbie Neilson’s fourth signing of the summer window, Alex will join his team-mates in Spain for the Jambos’ pre-season training camp, and the manager is eager to once again link up with the England U20 cap.

Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Robbie said: “It’s fantastic to get Alex back in permanently. He was a huge part of the success the team enjoyed last season so to get him back in as a Hearts player for three years is great news.

“His versatility on that left side is hugely important to the way we play and I think he benefitted massively from getting a full season of first-team football under his belt.

“He’s a popular lad in the dressing room and obviously there is great familiarity there so I hope he can pick up from where he left off last season and hit the ground running.

Sporting Director Joe Savage said: “Everyone was impressed with Alex’s contribution to the team last season so it made perfect sense to try and bring him back in on a permanent deal.

“He’s still a young player but he’s clearly very talented and has a hunger to improve, and - as we’ve demonstrated time and time again - Hearts is a place for talented players to flourish.

“I have to thank Davie Weir at Brighton & Hove Albion for the part he played in making this move happen, and also our own board here at Hearts because they are backing us at a crucial moment in the club’s history, and we’re really grateful for that.”