Kenneth Vargas has committed his long-term future to Heart of Midlothian by signing a five-year contract at Tynecastle Park.

The Costa Rican attacker was initially signed on a season-long loan last summer from Herediano in his homeland, but that move has now been made permanent after Hearts activated a buy-out clause inserted into his contract.

Vargas has featured regularly for Steven Naismith’s side this season, racking up 34 appearances in all competitions, and the versatile forward is the club’s second top scorer this season behind Lawrence Shankland with seven goals to his name.

Equally comfortable on either wing or playing through the middle, Vargas has established himself as a key member of Naismith’s squad. He had to wait until a 1-0 win over Livingston in November to notch his first goal in maroon, but has scored six goals in his last 13 outings for Hearts.

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Steven Naismith told Hearts' official website: “I’m really happy that we’ve been able to sort out Kenneth’s future and bring him in permanently.

“He’s made a really big impact since coming here. Everyone can see his talents but he’s also got a real willingness to learn and is great around the dressing room.

“It’s important to remember that the initial loan move was Kenneth’s first away from Costa Rica and from his family. So for him to settle as well as he has, and put in the performances that he has, is impressive, and I think we’ll see even more from him as he and the team continues to progress.”

Sporting director Joe Savage added: “We’re all really pleased to be able to get this deal done and bring Kenneth in as a permanent Hearts player.

“We don’t shy away from exploring different markets to source young talent and value for money, and Kenneth certainly ticks both those boxes."

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Vargas has been keen to extend his stay in Gorgie for quite some time. Speaking exclusively to Hearts Standard last month about his future, he said: “The truth is I am really happy here. I want to renew [my contract] first of all, I want to feel secure being here. This is not in my hands, I have told the club that I want to stay, and I want to be able to sign the contract as soon as possible. This is not an issue for me, it’s for them.

“It will be great to give the club more joy, to be able to show my football ability, which I know I am capable of. But most of all to be here for a long time and continue to make the people happy, as they do for me.

“It’s my first season here in Europe, it’s totally different. What’s clear is I want to score more goals. I have a target right now to get to 10 goals for the season and I think if I keep working and continue doing things the way I have been lately, I think I can reach it very very quickly.

“The truth is the football here is very different. I have noticed that it is a lot more physical while in Costa Rica it’s a bit more deliberate and slower, whereas it’s a bit faster here. The footballers are much more physical, so you have to prepare yourself better and do that little bit extra to help you succeed and win games. So I think that it is a big, big change.”