Hearts target Christophe Berra

Christophe Berra heads Ian Cathro’s January wish list with a Hearts return for the defender dependent on him securing an early exit from Ipswich.

The 31-year-old has been identified by the Tynecastle head coach as the experienced figure he hopes can yet have his side challenging for Europe.

Berra is said to be interested in a return to play for his first club.

A move would depend on him agreeing a severance package to terminate the final six months of his Ipswich contract.

A pre-contract agreement with Hearts for next season is also a possibility.

That would be the case should the English Championship side decide to keep him until his deal expires in the summer.

Berra played for Hearts between 2002-09 and made more than 100 appearances for the Tynecastle club. 

He has since played in the Championship for Wolverhampton Wanderers and his current side Ipswich where he has remained since 2013.