Plymouth sign midfielder Boateng from Hearts

Malachi Boateng started in 21 of the 28 games he featured in for Hearts

Championship bottom side Plymouth Argyle have signed defensive midfielder Malachi Boateng from Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 22-year-old featured 28 times for Hearts - which included appearances in the Europa League - after moving to Tynecastle from Crystal Palace last summer.

He leaves them for an undisclosed fee just six months into his three-year deal with the Edinburgh club.

Plymouth head coach Miron Muslic says Boateng "fits the profile of player" he wants in midfield as the Pilgrims attempt to the drop.

"He is tall, athletic and physical and complements the style of play I am trying to implement here at Argyle," Muslic told the club website.