Japanese forward Yutaro Oda could be heading to Hearts in the January window according to reports.
The Vissel Kobe star has been dubbed the 'Japanese Mbappe' in his homeland and looks set to become a top priority for Robbie Neilson in the winter window. The 21-year-old, who can play as a winger or striker, has reportedly agreed terms for a move to Tynecastle but the deal is subject to a work permit, according to the Scottish Daily Express.
Reports in the player's homeland broke the news on Sunday with Oda's deal looking to be fast-tracked, as Neilson looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the second half of the season. The forward has many caps at international youth level and has been likened to World Cup star Kylian Mbappe for his prospects for his country.
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Oda, however, has just two goals so far for the first time but has watched fellow team-mate Yuki Kobayashi seal a big move to Scotland with Celtic in recent weeks.
Hearts are looking to finish behind Celtic and Rangers as best of the rest once again and secure another European adventure after a Europa Conference League group stage campaign earlier this season.
Speaking after their weekend win over Kilmarnock, Neilson said: “I’m delighted with the three points.
“It was the final game of the year at Tynecastle, so it was important that we sign off with the three points, but also those points get us closer to Aberdeen. We want to be pushing for that third place and it gets us a point behind him.
“I thought in the first half we played extremely well. We created a number of chances. We scored two goals, but I would have liked to have scored a few more. At 2-0 as you see at the end it is always in the balance. We switch off at a free-kick and they get the goal and get their tails up.”
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