Hearts: Arnaud Djoum & Igor Rossi extend contracts at Tynecastle

Arnaud Djoum has joined Igor Rossi in signing a contract extension at Hearts, with the duo now tied to the Tynecastle club until May 2017.

Belgian midfielder Djoum, 26, had agreed a deal until January when arriving in September from Lech Poznan.

On Tuesday, Brazilian defender Rossi, also 26, added another 12 months to his terms, having played in every Premiership match this season.

And Hearts have appointed Martin Jesper to their management executive team.

He joins the Tynecastle club as head of strategic developments. Jesper was previously chief executive of Darlington for three years, leaving the Quakers in October after helping them into full fan ownership.

Rossi is an ever-present in the league for Hearts so far this season

Hearts say Jesper will "drive the club's relation with the Foundation of Hearts and other supporter groups, as well as representing the club on the SPFL working group on supporter Involvement in Scottish football".

Djoum has scored three goals in seven games for the Edinburgh side and told the club website: "It was easy [to sign a new deal] because I feel really good here. Everyone is nice to me and the fans are amazing. I'm very happy to be part of the Jambos."

Centre-back Rossi moved to Scotland's capital over the summer after leaving Portuguese side Maritimo.

"I'm very happy to have signed a new contract," he said. "The manager has shown great faith in me and I'm delighted that he wants to keep me."

Hearts are third in the top flight following last season's promotion and Rossi believes the Edinburgh side still have room for improvement.

"The team has played well so far and I'm happy to be getting game time, but I know we can get even better," he said.