In an effort to prepare for this campaign, the Jambos last year signed early contracts with Livingston’s James Penrice, Ross County’s Yan Dhanda, and Blair Spittal of Motherwell.

While Dhanda hasn’t exactly performed at the same level, Spittal and Penrice, two of the team’s finest players this season, have been working well together on the left wing. The results have been inconsistent.

Hearts has been active in transfer window, adding defender Michael Steinwender and midfielder Sanders Kartum as their most recent additions, with possibly more to come.

Alasana Manneh, a midfielder, was recently acquired by Hibs from OB in their first January transfer window acquisition.

Both are reportedly interested in signing an Aberdeen player who is not under contract for the summer.

Hearts and Hibs target Jamie McGrath

Several Aberdeen players, including Jamie McGrath, have contracts that expire at the end of this season. Although there has been discussion regarding an extension with the Pittodrie club, there has been no update.

The Daily Record suggests that Hearts and Hibs may try to capitalize on that.

The 28-year-old offensive midfielder, who is free to speak with other teams because he is nearing the end of his contract, has reportedly drawn interest from both Edinburgh clubs.

MLS clubs in the States are also interested.

Hearts were heavily linked to McGrath at the time, and Aberdeen themselves acquired him on a free transfer from Wigan. Hibs had previously made a previous attempt to get him while he was at St Mirren.

In addition to playing for Wigan in England, the Irishman has played for the Buddies and Dundee United in Scotland.

Despite the Dons finishing in the bottom half last season, he was a bright spot for the club, scoring 11 goals in all competitions.

Despite playing a crucial role in Jimmy Thelin’s early ascent to the Premiership, the Republic of Ireland international has been sidelined for months due to a shoulder injury.

For months, McGrath has been negotiating a new contract with Aberdeen.

“I know that his agent and Steven (Gunn) are speaking,” Thelin wrote about it. Let’s observe what takes place. I am aware of the existence of the process.

What the stats say about Aberdeen star McGrath

In October, when Aberdeen made a fantastic start to the season, we examined McGrath’s amazing numbers and how they had contributed to that.

The talented midfielder was then the Premiership’s leading scorer in terms of chances created, especially big ones.

That is no longer the case, but with 40 goals, he is still the top non-Old Firm player for the former, with only a Rangers backer surpassing him.

He is currently ranked 13th in the league after creating just one more significant opportunity than the one mentioned in the previous article.

McGrath had previously scored 1.9 for expected assists (xA), 0.33 for x per 90, and 1.9 for the top scoring non-OF player at the moment.

His current xA of 3.8 puts him in 12th place for the Premiership, while his xA per 90 is 0.22, which puts him in 19th position.

Despite his diminished abilities, he has had a significant impact on the squad in that area, as seen by the statistics, which show that he is still a strong creative force.

Notably, he continues to share the lead in actual assists with six, which is a lot more significant statistic than expected assists.