Celtic turn attention to Claudio Bragan as Hearts mass exodus continues
Celtic are plotting a move to capitalise on Hearts' transfer woes with a move to sign Claudio Braga, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old was named as last season's Scottish Premiership Player of the Season, and his performances have put Celtic and a number of top clubs on high alert.
Martin O'Neill is determined to strengthen his squad, and the addition of a talented forward who is proven in the division would be seen as a major coup.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic could now test Hearts' resolve over Braga as they are resigned to losing another star player.
Hearts ran Celtic close in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title last summer, and are now paying the price of success, with their best players being lured away.
Rangers have already signed star players Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, as well as the appointment of Derek McInnes, and Celtic could pile on the misery.
Could Celtic make a move to sign Claudio Braga?
Football Insider first revealed in March that Celtic are keeping a close eye on Braga's situation, with an offer of around £5million expected to be enough to lure him away.
Having lost a number of key assets already this summer, Hearts fear the Portuguese forward may be set to join the exodus, with Celtic primed to take advantage.
As a result of his outstanding performances last season, there is no shortage of interest in Braga, and O'Neill's side are now ready to make a move.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's the price of success, Hearts are finding out after a great season where they pushed Celtc all the way in the title race.
"He was probably Hearts' best player last year when he won the Scottish Premiership Player of the Season award as well, so Hearts know they're going to have offers.
"Celtic, I'm sure, would be interested in the opportunity to sign Braga as somebody from their rivals and somebody who would improve their team.
"Celtic will see that opportunity where they can hurt one of their opposition by luring one of their best players away and I'm sure Hearts will be bracing to receive offers."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Braga?
Despite their high-profile interest in signing the Hearts forward, Celtic are far from the only club keeping an eye on Braga's situation during the summer transfer window.
A number of clubs outside of Scotland have also been alerted to the level of his performances for Hearts last season and are now preparing to join the race for his signature.
Tony Bloom, who owns oth Hearts and Brighton, is expected to play a key role in the forward's future and he has now been tipped to lure him down to his other club.
It has also been hinted that Braga could reject offers from both Celtic and Rangers in order to move to the Premier League side as he continues to weigh up his options.