Hearts' move to sign Yutaro Oda from Vissel Kobe has taken a step forward after a Scottish Football Association hearing today.
The panel approved that the Japanese attacker meets the criteria required to make the six figure move to Europe and he will join Robbie Neilson's side on a long-term deal. His arrival is expected for mid-January subject to receiving a UK work permit.
Oda emerged as a right winger and represented Japan at every youth level but has yet to make a senior breakthrough. The 21-year-old will have watched countrymen Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate all thrive after making the switch Celtic, with the trio helping peak the interest of the Scottish Premiership in Japan. Lawrence Shankland has found prolific goalscoring form in the absence of last season's top scorer Liam Boyce but the acquisition of Oda will provide much needed depth as the Jambos look to cement a European spot.
Hearts are also keen on bringing Callum Paterson back to Tynecastle. But Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore hinted on Wednesday that he would prefer very few outgoings when the window opens.
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