Claudio Braga is reportedly 'close' to departing Hearts after Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town entered the race for his signature. The Scottish Premiership Player of the Year has been linked with a move to French giants Lyon following an impressive season.
Hearts' Valuation and Interest
Record Sport understands that Jamestown Analytics has valued Braga at between £8million and £10million, and the club will only consider doing business at that price. Earlier this summer, the player insisted he is focused on fulfilling his 'dream' of playing in the Champions League with the Tynecastle club and noted that he still has two years left on his deal in Gorgie.
Portuguese Report Indicates Imminent Departure
Portuguese outlet Record reports that a deal could be struck in the near future, with Hearts set to face Sturm Graz in the second round of qualifying for Europe's elite competition later this month. It is claimed that the 26-year-old 'is increasingly close to leaving' Edinburgh, with Ipswich and Turkish giants Trabzonspor keen on the playmaker.
Manager's Acknowledgment
New boss Wouter Vrancken has conceded Hearts must be ready to replace Braga, as the Jamestown model means he might miss the chance to work with the Portuguese ace. He admitted last month: 'For me, it's the same as in Belgium. Clubs stay healthy by developing players and selling them to bigger teams or bigger leagues. I think it's a similar model here. Braga had a very good season last year so of course he's a player you want in your team. But with this model, we also have to be ready. We have to know which players are ready to replace him if he leaves. But at the moment, he's still a Hearts player, so we'll never know.'
