Heart of Midlothian have announced the signing of Costa Rican international defender Gerald Taylor on a loan deal from Deportivo Saprissa, subject to international clearance, visa and Scottish FA approval.

The 23-year-old becomes the club's seventh addition of the summer following the arrivals of Yan Dhanda, James Penrice, Blair Spittal, Musa Drammeh, Daniel Oyegoke and Ryan Fulton.

The deal bringing Taylor to Tynecastle Park is similar to the one that brought international team-mate Kenneth Vargas to Hearts. The 12-month loan includes an option to make the move permanent.

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Taylor, who can play right-back or wing-back, flew into Edinburgh earlier this week to finalise the transfer having been with Costa Rica at the Copa America. He made a substitute appearance in the draw with Brazil and played the full game in the 2-1 win over Paraguay.

He has played more than 100 times for Saprissa, who are Costa Rica's biggest club, winning a number of trophies. Hearts head coach Steven Naismith described him as a "winner".

“A lot of work has been done on this deal so it’s fantastic that we’re now able to welcome Gerald to the club," he told the club's official site.

“You look at what Gerald has crammed into his career at such a young age – league titles, continental experience, international caps – and it’s clear to see that he is a winner.

“His hard work, along with his talent, has got him to where he is today and I think the exciting thing is that there is more to come from him.

“Being an international teammate of Kenneth is a bonus in that he will be able to help Gerald settle, and we’ll also give him time and the benefit of our experience to ensure that he continues his trajectory and becomes a success at Hearts.”