Hearts beat off competition for Costa Rica right-back Gerald Taylor as terms agreed

Costa Rica international defender Gerald Taylor has agreed terms on an initial loan move to Hearts, ahead of competing at the Copa America this summer.

The Deportivo Saprissa player’s agent has revealed Hearts have beaten off competition to land the 23-year-old right back and described the move to Scottish football as a good opportunity for his client.

Taylor has five caps for Costa Rica and is in the 26 man squad – alongside Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas – for the Copa America in the USA, which kicks off next week.

In an interview with Columbia Digital, Carl Gordon of the Dearte Sports agency said: “It is a secret to no-one that Gerald Taylor has done an excellent campaign with Saprissa and with the national team.

“The young player has fulfilled his role very well even playing in different positions. Due to that there has been many approaches and close contacts, showing interest in Gerald.

“At this moment we have a formal offer.”

Taylor representatives hope he can follow in the footsteps of Vargas, who enjoyed a strong debut season in the Scottish Premiership after joining Hearts from CS Herediano.

His initial loan was converted into a permanent transfer for a six figure sum after netting nine goals for the Edinburgh club.

Gordon said: “The Scottish league is a very competitive league. For a young player such as Gerald, being able to reach this kind of league and grow as a football player is important.

“It is very different to play here in Costa Rica than playing in Europe. We feel for Gerald this could be a very good opportunity and that is why all the parties involved are doing their best.

“The idea is that the player goes on loan for a year, and then discuss the purchase option if the player is doing well.”

Should the deal be clinched to bring Taylor to Tynecastle it may be some weeks before he arrives in Scotland.

Costa Rica begin their Copa America campaign against Brazil at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 24 and the tournament runs until July 14.

The player’s agent added: “Right now, Gerald is focused 100% on the national team.”

Hearts boss Steven Naismith has been active in the transfer market this summer with verbal agreements in place to sign Yan Dhanda of Ross County, Blair Spittal from Motherwell, James Penrice of Livingston and Hamilton Accies goalkeeper Ryan Fulton.