Hearts boss Craig Levein has provided an update on Hearts’ pursuit of Manchester City attacker Ryotaro Meshino.
The Japanese attacker only recently joined City after breaking into the Gamba Osaka team in his homeland.
A recent Daily Record report claimed that terms have been agreed. All that is left to finalise is his work permit, which Meshino doesn’t qualify for right now as he hasn’t earned a Japan cap.
It’s up to the Tynecastle side to convince the work permit hearing panel that the Japanese attacker will benefit their squad.
Levein has provided an update on Hearts’ progress. He told Hearts TV: “There’s a process so we are still going through that.
“I can’t really go into all the details, but he has to go through this process, it’s just the normal situation. Hopefully he will be here sooner rather than later.”
A question of when rather than if for Manchester City prodigy Meshino
Meshino was only signed by City during the summer, so they clearly see him as a future star. Tynecastle could be the place where he shows what he can bring to the table down south.
With Jamie Walker set to miss the next few months of action with injury, Levein needs something extra going forward. Whilst he wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Walker, Meshino could be that spark.
It seems like it is a question of when rather than if now going by Levein’s comments. Meshino will be the first ever Japanese player to pull on the maroon of Hearts when he eventually signs and makes his Gorgie debut.
Meshino has played 17 games at left midfield, 13 games as a centre forward and 11 as an attacking midfielder during his career according to Transfermarkt. He will offer versatility to the forward line.
This deal seems to be nearing completion. Meshino will likely be a Hearts player very soon.