Hearts complete signing of Portuguese striker Claudio Braga

Hearts have announced the signing of “top target” Claudio Braga as the Tynecastle club continues strengthening the squad for next season.

The Portuguese striker has agreed a three-year contract after Hearts negotiated a fee with Norwegian side Aalesunds FK, and he will complete his move when the transfer window officially opens on June 16.

Braga has been top scorer at Aalesunds in the past three seasons and has found the net four times in ten games this season.

The 25-year-old becomes the fifth signing of the summer, following Elton Kabangu, Alexandros Kyziridis, Christian Borchgrevink and Oisin McEntee in joining new manager Derek McInnes’ first team squad.

McInnes said the club had signed a player of “exceptional ability” and whose versatility would add to the team’s threat in attack.

“Claudio was one of our top targets so to be able to bring him in is fantastic,” he told the club website.

“What’s impressed me in my conversations with Claudio is his attitude and his determination to improve as a player and improve the team.

“There is great potential there but also exceptional ability. He is a technically gifted player, he’s got a goalscoring pedigree but is also versatile and can play across the front.

“This is an exciting signing and I have to thank the club for giving us the backing to make this deal happen, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming Claudio to Hearts when we return for pre-season.”