Gerald Taylor Hearts transfer 'agreed' as Jambos add fifth summer signing

Gerald Taylor has agreed terms with Hearts as Steven Naismith secures his fifth summer signing, according to reports.

The Costa Rican was yesterday reported to be in advanced talks with the Tynecastle side as they looked to add in their priority position of right-back after Dexter Lembikisa's exit back to parent club Wolves left them with just Nathaniel Atkinson in that position. Taylor will initially join on a season long loan with an agreed fee in place to make it permanent at the end of it, in the same way his countryman Kenneth Vargas did last year.

Those terms have now been agreed upon with the 23-year-old also happy with the personal terms being offered, reports the Edinburgh Evening News. The coming days will see paperwork completed in order to make the deal signed and sealed.

Taylor will need a work permit but as he is a full international, there is not expected to be any issues. He will now head off to Copa America with his nation, along with Vargas.

The defender is versatile and has also operated at left-back, centre-back and in defensive midfield on occasion. He has five caps for Costa Rica and recently scored his first goal for them.

Hearts had already secured the pre-contract signings of Blair Spittal from Motherwell, Ross County's Yan Dhanda, Livingston's James Penrice and Ryan Fulton of Hamilton. Steven Naismith said yesterday six was the magic number of additions, so fans can expect more. Any other incomings would depend on members of the current squad moving on.