Calem Nieuwenhof ready to get started at Hearts as club agrees deal for Kenneth Vargas

Hearts have agreed a deal to sign Costa Rican striker Kenneth Vargas as the summer revamp of the Tynecastle squad continues.

The Edinburgh side have concluded negotiations with SC Herediano over a transfer fee for the 21-year-old and personal terms have been agreed with the attacker.

The club are now going through the process of applying for a work permit to conclude the deal.

Vargas is set to become the fourth new signing at the club, while one of the new recruits, Calem Nieuwenhof says he can’t wait to play in front of the Hearts fans.

The midfielder, who joined from Western Sydney Wanderers, is the latest in a line of Australian Hearts players, with Kye Rowes, Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson already at the club.

While the player is excited to join up with his compatriots and says the club is known for being a good place for Australians to play, he revealed that his positive impressions of Tynecastle had been formed as a teenager.

“Back in 2018, I was on a football tour around the UK and we went to a Hearts game at Tynecastle and I’ve got such vivid memories of it,” Nieuwenhof told STV. “I remember the fans were unreal and the atmosphere and everything was yeah, insane.

“So I never could have imagined it but I mean, once I knew that Hearts were interested in me, it was something that really excited me.

“And I know I’ve heard a lot and I’ve seen it, how passionate the fans are here, and I think it’s a place I really want to come and play football.”

The central midfielder says the club have a clear idea of what they expect from him and he aims to develop in the Premiership.

“I think what they’re looking for from me is just ball-playing and composure on the ball,” Nieuwenhof said. “This year we want to be a team that are comfortable on the ball and break teams down and [Steven Naismith] told me that’s the role he sees me in.

“I’m really happy because I want to be part of a team that plays good football and I’m sure we’ll be able to do that this season.”