Keith Wyness reveals when Claudio Braga plans to 'push' for Celtic move
Claudio Braga is increasingly likely to stay at Hearts for another season despite sustained interest from Celtic.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that Hearts have enough security to demand a "high fee" for the forward.
Braga has been extensively linked with a move to Celtic Park this summer, after notching 17 goals for the Jambos in all competitions last term.
However, Wyness does not expect the 26-year-old to "push" to make the move happen, and instead feels that he will target next summer for his big move.
The Edinburgh outfit will be aiming to compete at the top of the table once again under new boss Wouter Vrancken, and Braga is a key piece of their puzzle.
He is still under contract at Tynecastle until the summer of 2028, and as a result, Wyness believes they have no reason to panic over his future.
Hearts hold the cards over Claudio Braga's future
Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that the pivotal point in Braga's long-term future will come next summer.
The former Aalesund man will be heading towards the end of his contract at that stage, and Wyness believes that could alter his stance regarding a move away.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why he expects Braga to be out of reach for Celtic for now.
"Hearts had a good result last weekend, so that's going to help calm things down a bit. I think Hearts have got him under contract for a long enough period to be able to say, there's going to be a high fee," he said.
"If you want to pay the high fee, fair enough. But if you don't, then he's our player. So I think that the cards are in Hearts' hands at the moment.
"I think that win over Dundee United has calmed a few of the nerves after a rocky start for Hearts, losing to Aberdeen and then getting thrashed again in Europe.
"Look, I expect Braga to stay with Hearts. I know he would be loved at Celtic, but I don't think he's going to push. He may push next season, is my feeling right now."
Greg Taylor to Celtic update
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that the possibility of Greg Taylor returning to Celtic hinges on where he would see himself in the squad.
The Bhoys are happy to take their former star back to play second fiddle to Kieran Tierney, but would not be able to guarantee him regular minutes.
Taylor has been deemed surplus to requirements at PAOK, and also has interest from the likes of Burnley and Malaga as a result.
Celtic still have the funds available to win that race for his signature, but it will depend on whether Taylor is happy to be a backup.