LATEST: Alex Cochrane to Birmingham City transfer latest as Hearts boss expects two more exits

Steven Naismith has confirmed it’s only a matter of time before Alex Cochrane completes his move to Birmingham City.

It was revealed on Saturday that Cochrane had been given permission by Hearts to hold talks with the Blues after a deal worth more than £1million was agreed. The left-back, 24, wasn’t involved as the Jambos fell to a 2-1 friendly defeat at home to Leyton Orient. Cochrane has thrashed out personal terms with Birmingham City and the move will be rubber-stamped imminently, barring any unexpected medical hitches.

Tynecastle boss Naismith is comfortable with the situation and admits it’s a good deal for all parties as the ex-Brighton defender had entered the final 12 months of his contract.

“I think every club in Scotland are in the bracket that if good offers come in for your players then they need to be considered. I think it’s a good model. We as a club haven’t been good enough at it in previous years. Alex was somebody who came in, he improved, he improved Hearts and this is the outcome of that so it’s a good deal for everybody.”

Meanwhile Naismith revealed further conversations have been had with out-of-favour duo Nathaniel Atkinson and Toby Sibbick. The defenders weren’t included in last week’s training camp in Tenerife after being told to find new clubs. Naismith anticipates that the pair will follow Cochrane out of the door in the coming weeks.

He said: “There’s been a couple of conversations had with them. Nothing to give you any more information on but I would expect there to be movement at some point over the course of the weeks coming up.”LA