Hearts investor and Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom could play a decisive role in where Claudio Braga ends up this summer.
That is the opinion of former Aberdeen and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, with Braga potentially available for around £5million when the transfer window opens.
The 26 year old was brought in by Hearts for just £500,000 last summer and has quickly developed into a vital figure in their unexpected push towards the Scottish Premiership title.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. Braga is expected to attract strong interest from several clubs in the coming months, including Celtic and Rangers, after an impressive season at Tynecastle.
Hearts are keen to keep hold of him, but they could find it difficult if their asking price is met.
Hearts fans ‘much happier’ with Claudio Braga making Brighton move:
Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness, who also held senior roles at Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a consultancy advising top clubs, believes Bloom could look to move Braga to Brighton as part of a wider plan.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness also revealed that Crystal Palace are monitoring the situation.
He said: “Interesting isn’t it how Tony Bloom’s got his place in Hearts, and he might be thinking for Brighton, ‘Braga can come down, and I could make some money out of this’.
“This is exactly the plan that Tony Bloom had with investing in Scotland, was to try and use it to bring up some talent. Braga is certainly a talent, and he could well make it down there.
“I’ve also heard Palace are interested. So the two rivals, Palace and Brighton. That could be an interesting move for that sort of price. If he came down about five to six million, they would take a risk at that sort of level on a player like Braga.
“Palace have got a great history of getting talent to come through as well and do it, as have Brighton. So that’s not beyond the realms of possibility. That’s more likely than going to Celtic or Rangers. The Hearts fans would be much happier if somebody were to go to England rather than to the ugly stepsisters.
“That’s the way that I think it would go if he was to go anywhere. Bloom understands that, and he would have a say in that and may well make sure that that would be the case.”
Brighton target second Scottish Premiership star:
Bloom may not stop at Braga. Reports suggest Brighton are also tracking Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren as they continue to scout talent in Scotland.
The Seagulls are expected to face competition from Bournemouth, with Nygren keen to take the next step after a strong debut season at Celtic.
Celtic are not actively looking to sell and would prefer to strengthen their squad this summer rather than lose key players.
However, Nygren’s goal return has put him firmly on the radar, and significant offers could test the club’s stance.