Hearts close to completing deal for FC Tokyo forward Kyosuke Tagawa

Hearts have confirmed that they are in negotiations to sign FC Tokyo forward Kyosuke Tagawa and hope to complete a deal to take the player to Tynecastle.

The club has moved to update fans after FC Tokyo published a post on their Instagram page saying that a decision had been reached on the player’s future and featuring a farewell message from Tagawa.

While a deal has not yet been finalised, Hearts say work is ongoing to complete the transfer.

A club statement read: “Following on from FC Tokyo’s announcement last night that Kyosuke Tagawa would be joining Hearts, the club can confirm that it is in negotiations for the Japanese forward.

“Whilst we would have preferred to wait until all documentation was finalised before announcing, we hope that this formality will be completed very soon and we will then be able to officially welcome him to Hearts.”

Tagawa, a 24-year-old forward who has played for Japan at every international level, began his career with Sagan Tosu but moved to Tokyo in 2019. He spent last season on loan with Santa Clara in Portugal.

Hearts are also close to signing 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.