Costa Rica international Gerald Taylor has attracted plenty of interest but it is Heart of Midlothian who have won the race for his signature.

As Hearts Standard reported yesterday, the deal for the right-back was at an advanced stage with just the finer details to iron out, such as the Governing Body Exemption to secure a visa. Taylor will join from Deportivo Saprissa in his homeland on an initial loan deal with an option for the move to me made permanent.

The 23-year-old is set to compete at the Copa American for Costa Rica alongside Hearts star Kenneth Vargas with his agent Carl Gordon of Dearte Sports stating he "is focused 100 per cent on the national team". They will face Brazil later this month in the United States.

READ MORE: The lowdown on Hearts target Gerald Taylor: Strong defender & standout attribute

Providing no snags occur with the GBE and other formalities he will then link up with Steven Naismith's squad ahead of the 2023/24 season despite the player's representatives being on the end of "many approaches" due to his form for Saprissa.

“It is a secret to no one that Gerald Taylor has done an excellent campaign with Saprissa and with the national team," Gordon told Columbia Digital in Costa Rica.

“The young player has fulfilled his role very well even playing in different positions. Due to that there has been many approaches and close contacts, showing interest in Gerald. At this moment we have a formal offer.”

@hearts.standard Gerald Taylor to Hearts? #heartofmidlothian #heartsfc #hmfc #scottishfootball #spfl #transfers #geraldtaylor #costarica🇨🇷 ♬ original sound - Hearts Standard

Taylor and his representatives may well have seen the progress Vargas has made at Tynecastle Park. The forward had joined on loan last summer and has since completed a permanent move to Gorgie.

“The Scottish league is a very competitive league," Gordon said. "For a young player such as Gerald, being able to reach this kind of league and grow as a football player is important.

“It is very different to play here in Costa Rica than playing in Europe. We feel for Gerald this could be a very good opportunity and that is why all the parties involved are doing their best.

“The idea is that the player goes on loan for a year, and then discuss the purchase option if the player is doing well.”