Hearts head coach Steven Naismith has revealed that striker Kyosuke Tagawa is set to leave Tynecastle – but gave a positive update on the signing of Andres Salazar.
Tagawa, who joined Hearts from FC Tokyo last year, is poised for a return to his native Japan after a deal was agreed with Kashima Antlers.
Naismith said that there was a lot of competition for a starting place and that it was in the 25-year-old’s best interests to move on.
“We got a bid that we felt was acceptable,” the head coach said. “And after speaking to him, it became clear it was going to be the best move for everybody.
“He’s been unfortunate in terms of getting the minutes he wanted and needed. As a person, his professionalism and character was all fantastic. He was good to work with and didn’t cause any problems when he wasn’t getting the game time.
“But after the bid came in, we spoke about it and it probably suits everyone that that happens as he gets more game time.
“He’s been unfortunate that we’ve got strikers who performed really well last season, which limited his time. It’s just a natural thing that happens in football.”
While Tagawa heads for the exit, Naismith is ready to welcome another new signing. A deal to sign Colombian international Andre Salazar on loan from Atletico Nacional is close to completion and could be done within the next week.
“I think both clubs are there, on the same page with what we want,” Naismith said. “We now just need to do the paperwork, the issues with visas and work permits.
“I don’t expect that to get confirmed until next week but every day there are things going on in the background to get that over the line.”
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