Sources: Burnley, Ipswich Town and Blackburn Rovers race to sign Hearts star Alex Cochrane.

Football Insider has been informed by sources that Burnley, Ipswich, and Blackburn are vying to sign Hearts defender Alex Cochrane prior to the transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old has made an impression at the Edinburgh club, and Burnley of the Premier League and Ipswich and Blackburn of the Championship have taken note of his exploits.

All three of them have expressed interest in landing the former Brighton player in a late-window trade.

Cochrane, who has the ability to play left defense, left midfield, or central midfield, is nearing the end of his Tynecastle deal, which is 18 months long.

This season, the Englishman has made 21 appearances for Hearts in all competitions, contributing four assists.

After leading the Jambos to the Scottish Cup final during his season-long loan in 2021, Cochrane’s transfer to the team was made permanent for an undisclosed sum.

In 108 games in all competitions, he has 13 assists and 5 goals.

He has started every game he has been available for in every competition this season, making him an ever-present for Steven Naismith’s team.

During his four years in Brighton, he never appeared in the first team; therefore, returning to England football would be his first opportunity to play senior minutes.

Burnley has been busy this month trying to add players to its roster. On January 24, Football Insider reported that Burnley and Ajax are negotiating a loan agreement for Carlos Forbs, the former Manchester City winger.

Following their Monday, January 22, draw with league leaders Leicester City, Ipswich is eager to bolster their team in order to contend for promotion to the Premier League.

Hearts have gone six games without a loss, placing them third in the premier division of Scotland.

Burnley is now ranked 19th in the Premier League, while Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town are ranked 2 and 17 in the Championship, respectively.