Celtic are beginning to identify transfer targets for this summer

Celtic and Hearts are currently the top two of the Scottish Premiership and both sides have their eye on securing the trophy at the end of the season amidst a tense title battle.

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has seen his side lead the table for much of the season but with both Glasgow clubs breathing down their necks, it may make for a photo finish come the end of the campaign.

When the summer comes around, questions will be raised over whether the Edinburgh outfit can take the next step or if they will see their top players and staff tempted to move elsewhere. One man who is expected to be in high demand is striker Claudio Braga, who has been a revelation this term and is reportedly being targeted by the Hoops ahead of the summer transfer window.

Celtic target Hearts star striker for summer transfer

According to reports by Sportsboom, Braga is on Celtic’s shortlist as they identify attacking targets for the summer after a strong first season in Scotland for the Portuguese.

The 26-year-old signed on a three-year deal from Norwegian outfit Aalesunds for around £400,000 ahead of the beginning of the season and has made a huge impression as the Jam Tarts have taken the division by storm. The striker has registered 15 goals and six assists in all competitions and has drawn natural transfer interest from elsewhere.

This includes from the English Premier League, where both Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace reportedly have him on their radar. Brighton are owned by Hearts investor Tony Bloom and may feel that they have an advantage from that standpoint, while Celtic hope that they can convince the Portuguese to make the shorter trip to Parkhead and remain north of the border.

Sportsboom’s report states that bids for Braga are being prepared worth in the region of £5million from the two English clubs, with the Hoops likely to follow suit if they decide to step up their interest in the forward and deal Hearts a bitter blow.

Martin O’Neill speaks on SPL title competition this term

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill spoke recently about how his side have been ‘caught off guard’ by the quality of the Hoops’ title rivals this season, with the top four down to Motherwell separated by just ten points after 29 games.

The Northern Irishman said: "You can't take things for granted. You have to fight every single season for something.

"And while we've had a glorious period for quite a number of years, I think that the challenge that has come up this season, I might be wrong about this, but it might have surprised us in that sense.

"That should excite you really as much as anything else. To know that there are proper challenges coming in now and that you've got to be on your toes. You have to be vigilant. You have to be alert, ready for all challenges coming in. This is just not another doddle through the season."