ipswich town are getting closer to a deal for Heart star Claudio Braga, but Rangers could ruin it. Fresh claims from the Portuguese side suggest the newly-promoted Premier League side are preparing a club-record bid for the striker, although Derek McInnes remains interested.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable first season in Scotland. He was named the Scottish Premiership's player of the year as Hearts completely ousted Celtic in the title race.
Records revealed earlier this week Ipswich entered the race With Trabzonspor. game Now go one step further, report that Braga are headed to the Premier League.
According to the Portuguese newspaper, Ipswich are preparing an offer worth around €11m (£9.5m). If completed it would become the biggest signing in the club's history.
Rangers have emerged as another contender
While Ipswich Town appear to be leading the race, O'Jogo insists they are not alone. Lyon have reportedly monitored Braga for several weeks. Trabzonspor also remain interested. But there's a big name to chase ranger people.
The Scottish giants have already done business with Hearts this summer. They appointed Derek McInnes as manager and signed captain Lawrence Shankland.
O Jogo believes they are now also interested in Braga. However, it could prove difficult to compete financially with a Premier League team if Ipswich go ahead with their reported offer.
This could still complicate Hearts' plans, especially as Rangers already have a good knowledge of the player after watching him closely last season.
table record fee
The proposed €11 million (£9.5 million) fee underlines how quickly Braga's value has risen.
Hearts signed the Portuguese striker from Norwegian second-tier side Moss for around €750,000 (£650,000) just last summer. Twelve months later, he is being linked with what will be a huge windfall for the Edinburgh club.
Braga's performance illustrates this. The Portuguese forward scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 44 appearances in all competitions. He played a leading role in Hearts' challenge to Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title right down to the final day.
That focus has now shifted towards Hearts' Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz. This was after the club returned from their pre-season training camp in Spain.
Does Braga get the chance to complete another milestone by playing in Europe with Hearts, joining local giants Rangers or instead Moving to the Premier League is a dream move Ipswich could be in for one of the biggest transfer stories in Scotland in the coming weeks.
claudio braga transfer summary
- There are likely to be several leaks from Braga's camp to the Portuguese media this week
- Ipswich Town looks to be the club in the best position at the moment
- Given that he is being promoted in Portugal, Ipswich could be his choice
- Rangers and others will have to wait to see if there is a chance
