Celtic look to rob Hearts as transfer interest grows in Scottish Premiership star

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Claudio Braga from Hearts, as revealed by Sports Boom.

The player has been in brilliant form for the Jambos this season and is their top scorer. He has helped them massively in the title race, and if they end up winning it, he will be a massive reason as to why.

He has been something of a revelation for the Edinburgh side since signing in the summer and has already won the plaudits of Celtic favourites such as Chris Sutton. Sutton took to X to praise the player at the end of last month.

Whatever ends up happening this season, the Jam Tarts will be expecting a lot of interest in their star players, and for good reason. One player who will be attracting the most suitors is Braga.

The forward joined Hearts for only £400,000 but is already attracting interest from English Premier League sides. Crystal Palace and Brighton are allegedly keen on his signature, with a bid of £5 million ready to be put on the table.

Celtic are also extremely interested in the player, but would need to pay a similar fee if they were to bring him to the club. Strikers Junior Adamu, Tomas Cvancara and Kelechi Iheanacho are likely to leave the club in the summer, so it's possible that Braga could be one of the first targets pursued at the end of the season.

Hearts have the upper hand as the player is contracted until 2028. They do not have to accept any offer that they find to be unsuitable, and if they really want to keep him going into next season, they have the power to do so.

Braga would be a good fit for Celtic

Braga would be a brilliant fit for Celtic, especially under a new manager. We are likely to move a lot of players on in the summer, and that could pave the way to bring him to the club.

Going into next season, we will have little to no striking options. Johnny Kenny will return from loan, but Adamu, Cvancara and Iheanacho will all depart. That leaves us with one out-and-out striker, and with Daizen Maeda also likely to move on, that leaves us with few players who can slot into the position.

Celtic are also looking elsewhere, should the deal for Braga fall through. Scouts have been keeping an eye on young striker Ali Avila, with interest also still high in Leeds United forward Joel Piroe. The Hoops could also make a move for two Plymouth Argyle players who are in good form, so there are plenty of options on the table for the Glasgow giants.