Celtic interested in Hearts forward Claudio Braga

Celtic are monitoring the situation of Hearts forward Claudio Braga as the 26-year-old is expected to depart Tynecastle this summer. Portuguese media reports suggest the Scottish champions are among several clubs interested in the player.

Hearts have set a valuation for Braga between €8m and €10m. While interest has been linked to Ipswich Town, Trabzonspor, and clubs in MLS, Lyon have reportedly withdrawn from the race for his signature. Braga's departure is viewed as likely by Portuguese press following his standout debut season in Scotland.

The forward arrives at this transfer speculation after a highly successful campaign where he scored 17 goals. His performances earned him the Scottish Premiership Player of the Year award and helped Hearts push the title race against Celtic to the final day of the previous season.

Braga reached a milestone of 50 appearances for Hearts during Thursday's match against Benfica. Despite the ongoing transfer discussions, the forward expressed satisfaction with the team's performance in the draw against the Portuguese side. He noted that the result was something the squad should be proud of given the quality of the opposition.

The player has previously indicated that he possesses ambitions beyond Edinburgh and would be open to a move if the circumstances were right for both him and Hearts. With a clear asking price now established, interested clubs have a specific target for the former Portuguese league player.