Rangers are now preparing a move for Hearts striker Claudio Braga, with Derek McInnes eyeing a move.
Braga won Scotland’s player of the year award last season, thanks to his heroics in a Hearts side that narrowly missed out on the title, and McInnes singled him out with high praise at the end of February.
The former Hearts manager said: “The output is incredible, it always has been. His fitness, he’s completely committed to his craft. He’s selfless. It’s all about his fitness and his work level.”
The centre-forward collected five assists in 33 league appearances, and found the net 14 times, meaning he finished the campaign among the top five goalscorers.
|
Level |
Top goalscorers in the Scottish Premiership |
The club |
Goals |
|
1. |
Tawanda Maswanhise |
Motherwell |
17 |
|
2. |
Benjamin Nygren |
Celtic |
16 |
|
2. |
Youssef Chermiti |
The guards |
16 |
|
4. |
Lawrence Shankland |
The guards |
15 |
|
5. |
Claudio Braga |
Hearts |
14 |
|
5. |
Daizen Maeda |
Celtic |
14 |
In addition, the Portuguese striker averaged 1.2 successful tackles per 90 in the Scottish Premiership, which was the second-highest of any Hearts player, and emphasizes his ability to drive into defensive areas.
The Gers have already made a splash in the transfer market by signing Shankland from Hearts, and may yet again raid their Scottish Premiership rivals.
Rangers are preparing for a move for Claudio Braga
According to a report from Football Insider, Rangers are now preparing a move to Braga, and McInnes is determined to raid his old club.
The former Moss FK man is ‘high on the recruitment list’, and is expected to leave the Jam Tarts, who are suffering a major exodus after failing to make it in the title race.
However, Hearts are not willing to let their famous player leave on the cheap, and have set an asking price of £9m.
Transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke added: “Braga was probably Hearts’ best player last year, and he also won Scottish Premiership Player of the Season.
“It’s the price of success, Hearts get it, so they know they’ll probably have offers for the Portuguese winger this year. “As you said, he has Rangers in pursuit, with clear links to Derek McInnes there, and he’s brought in a couple of his old Hearts players already.
“It’s something they will have to agree to without hesitation because they will get a big benefit by signing him for less money last summer.”
Rangers are also keen to sign Stephy Mavididi
Despite signing Shankland, Rangers are still keen to strengthen their forward line this summer, with Leicester City’s Stephy Mavididi emerging as a target.
The approach has already been made at the Foxes, and the 28-year-old could be a versatile option for McInnes, given his ability to play on both wings and through the middle and forward.
That said, a record of three goals and two assists in 42 Championship games last season doesn’t look too impressive, so Braga should be the Gers’ top target.
