Ipswich Town enter race for Hearts star after standout season in Scotland

Ipswich Town have joined the race for Hearts star Claudio Braga, with the forward now attracting further interest after an outstanding first season in Scotland.

The 26-year-old has quickly become one of the biggest individual stories in the Scottish Premiership. After moving to Hearts from Norway last summer, he scored 17 goals and was named the league’s best player.

That form has inevitably brought attention from elsewhere, and Record now report Ipswich Town are one of the clubs fighting for his signing.

The Portuguese newspaper state Braga is “close” to leaving Hearts, after previously being linked with Lyon, now managed by Paulo Fonseca.

According to Record, Ipswich and Trabzonspor are currently disputing the forward, which suggests Hearts may soon face a serious test of their resolve.

Ipswich now in the picture

Claudio Braga would be an interesting route for Ipswich Town as they look at attacking additions.

He is coming off the best season of his career and has already shown he can adapt quickly to British football. That would be important for Ipswich, especially if they want a forward who has already handled the intensity and physical side of the Scottish game.

Braga’s 17 goals made him Hearts’ standout player and one of the most productive attackers in Scotland. Impressively, Hearts went toe to toe with Celtic for the title until the very end. Even though they ultimately fell short, it was an unforgettable campaign – with Braga as one of its key pillars.

Braga recently addressed his future

Claudio Braga’s future was already a subject in Portugal before Record’s update. In a lengthy interview with A Bola last month, the forward said he was happy at Hearts and not directly involved in transfer discussions.

“At this moment, I have two years left on my contract and I really like where I am. Anything regarding interest is only with my agents. I stay out of it,” he said.

However, at one point last year, he did say that playing in the Premier League was a dream.

That stance now sits alongside a growing list of interested clubs. Lyon, Ipswich Town and Trabzonspor’s presence also means Hearts are unlikely to have a quiet summer with the player.

Hearts face decision after career-best season

For Hearts, the timing is quite complicated. Braga still has two years left on his deal and the club also have European qualifiers ahead, with the forward recently speaking about his dream of playing in the Champions League.

Keeping him would give Hearts a major chance of building on last season. Selling him would mean cashing in at the peak of his value. And newly-promoted Ipswich Town appear ready to explore whether that door can open.