Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town are moving closer to a deal for Hearts star Claudio Braga, but Rangers could ruin it. There are fresh claims from Portugal suggesting the newly-promoted Premier League side are preparing a club-record bid for the striker, although interest from Derek McInnes remains.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a remarkable first season in Scotland. He was named the Scottish Premiership’s Player of the Year as Hearts pushed Celtic all the way in the title race.
Record revealed earlier this week thatIpswich had entered the race alongside Trabzonspor. O Jogo now go a step further, reporting Braga is edging towards a Premier League move.
According to the Portuguese newspaper, Ipswich are preparing an offer worth around €11m (£9.5m). If completed, it would become the biggest signing in the club’s history.
Rangers emerge as another contender
While Ipswich Town appear to be leading the race, O Jogo insist they are far from alone. Lyon have reportedly tracked Braga for several weeks. Trabzonspor also remain interested. But the nbig name in the chase is Rangers.
The Scottish giants have already done business with Hearts this summer. They appointed Derek McInnes as manager and signed captain Lawrence Shankland.
O Jogo believe they are now also interested in Braga. However, competing financially with a Premier League side could prove difficult if Ipswich press ahead with their reported offer.
That could still complicate Hearts’ plans, particularly as Rangers already have strong knowledge of the player after watching him closely throughout last season.
Record fee on the table
The proposed €11m (£9.5m) fee underlines just how quickly Braga’s value has risen.
Hearts signed the Portuguese striker from Norwegian second-tier side Moss for around €750,000 (£650,000) only last summer. Twelve months later, he is being linked with what would represent a huge profit for the Edinburgh club.
Braga’s performances explain why. The Portuguese forward contributed 17 goals and three assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. He played a leading role as Hearts challenged Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title until the final day.
That focus has now shifted towards Hearts’ Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz. This is after the club returned from their pre-season training camp in Spain.
Whether Braga gets the chance to complete another milestone by playing in Europe with Hearts, join local giants Rangers, or instead completes a dream move to the Premier League with Ipswich, could become one of the biggest transfer stories in Scotland over the coming weeks.
Claudio Braga transfer summary
Multiple leaks to Portuguese media this week are likely from Braga’s camp
Ipswich Town look the best placed club right now
Given that’s being pushed in Portugal, Ipswich could be his choice
Rangers and others will have to wait to see if there’s a chance