Hearts forward Claudio Braga has insisted he remains fully committed to the Edinburgh club despite significant transfer interest from French side Lyon.
The Portuguese attacker, who joined Hearts for just £430,000 from Norwegian second division outfit SK Aalesunds, has established himself as one of Scottish football’s most exciting players.
Braga scored 17 goals and claimed six assists in 44 appearances during his first season at Tynecastle, winning multiple Player of the Year awards including recognition from PFA Scotland.
Hearts officials are holding firm on their valuation of the 26-year-old, with Tynecastle sources seeking between £8m and £10m to sanction any departure this summer.
Lyon, who have funds available ahead of their own Champions League qualifying campaign, are believed to be among the clubs seriously considering a move for the forward.
Manager Wouter Vrancken has been candid about the situation, saying: “I didn’t hear it until now that there’s really concrete interest. As long as he’s here, I treat him like he can start the game.”
The Belgian coach returned from a week-long training camp in Spain with Braga’s future still unresolved, though the forward trained fully with the squad throughout the trip.
Vrancken made clear where his focus lies, adding: “I put my energy in the guys who are here. At this moment, Claudio is here. Mentally and physically, he’s also ready to perform.”
Braga featured behind striker Amadou Ba-Sy in a friendly victory over La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano, as Vrancken’s 4-2-3-1 system continues to take shape ahead of competitive action.
The forward explained how he sees his role within the new tactical setup, saying: “I think I have two options in this case — play as a false nine like I was playing in the first half, or as a lone striker with a 10 behind me.”
Braga elaborated further on the demands of each position, noting: “When I’m playing as a striker, I need to hold up a little bit more and try to stretch the team. As a 10, it’s more about freedom, trying to link up and be that extra man in the midfield and then also go to the box.”
The system represents a shift from predecessor Derek McInnes’ preferred 4-4-2, which had seen Braga regularly partnered with a strike partner throughout last season.
Despite the persistent rumours linking him with a move away, Braga sent a clear message to Hearts supporters ahead of the Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz in Austria.
He said: “We have a very, very important game, maybe one of the most important games for the club in the past years. I’m here and I’m completely focused on that.”
Braga was equally direct when addressing the ongoing speculation, stating: “Of course, it’s interest, but at the same time, I can’t focus about that while I’m here. I’m a Hearts player and that’s all you guys need to know.”
