Hearts complete deal for Japanese forward Oda

Yutaro Oda has joined Hearts from J-League club Vissel Kobe

Hearts have signed Yutaro Oda, with the Japanese forward in line to make his debut in Friday's Scottish Premiership meeting with St Mirren.

Capped up to under-19 level, the 21-year-old can play across the frontline and follows defender James Hill in joining Hearts this week.

"I have been looking for a challenge, so this is a great club for me to come to," Oda said.

"As a player, I see myself as a very speedy and sharp player. I am also good at dribbling and with the ball at my feet.

"When I had my meeting with Hearts, it was clear that they had done their research on me. To me, that shows that they really wanted to sign me, and that they are keen to help me develop further as a player."

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Hearts, currently third in the Scottish Premiership, are also chasing a loan deal for Newcastle United forward Garang Kuol.

The 18-year-old was in Edinburgh for talks, but there is interest from other clubs in the Australia international.

"We're still waiting on a decision on him, so it's up to the parent club Newcastle to make the decision," manager Robbie Neilson said at the weekend.

"We'd love to have him here, we've given a pitch, and now it's up to them to decide."

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