Gerald Taylor completes Hearts transfer as Steven Naismith hails born 'winner'

Hearts have completed the signing of Costa Rica international Gerald Taylor.

The 23-year-old full-back has joined on a season-long loan deal from top-flight side Deportivo Saprissa. A regular for his country, Taylor recently starred at the Copa America and becomes the seventh new face to arrive at Tynecastle this summer. He joined fellow international teammate Kenneth Vargas at Gorgie.

Delighted Jambos boss Steven Naismith said: "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. 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."

Both Taylor and Vargas are expected to remain in Scotland before meeting up with the rest of the squad next week when Naismith's side return from their pre-season training camp in Tenerife. Taylor could then make his debut in the glamour friendly with Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur.

He joins fellow new boys Musa Drammeh, James Penrice, Ryan Fulton, Yan Dhanda, Blair Spittal and Daniel Oyegoke at Tynecastle.