Report: Hearts ‘made move’ for Celtic attacker but they are set to miss out

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The Edinburgh News claim Hearts ‘made move’ for Celtic attacker Mikey Johnston ahead of a deadline-day move – but it appears the 23-year-old is on his way to Portugal to sign for Liga NOS side Vitoria Guimaraes on a season-long loan.

Johnston, 23, has been ‘told’ he will leave the Scottish champions on loan. He is one of five players that could leave Celtic on Thursday before the deadline – along with James McCarthy, Albian Ajeti, Liam Shaw and Scott Robertson.

Injuries have creeped in of late regarding Johnston. He managed just 20 appearances for Ange Postecoglou last season, with enormous competition in the final third also limiting his game time. Little surprise, then, that he is off.

Hearts are keen on adding to their attacking options before the deadline, and tried to bring in Johnston. However, as previous reports have stated, Johnston is set for an intriguing move to Vitoria for the 2022-23 campaign.

Hearts made move for Celtic attacker Johnston, but he is set for Vitoria

The Hoops have just brought in Sead Haksabanovic and have numerous other options on the flanks. Jota has signed permanently.Liel Abada scored a hat-trick on the weekend. Daizen Maeda netted last night and James Forrest remains.

So, it was clear that Johnston was not going to get the game time he requires this season. A loan move away from the club will benefit all parties. Taking him out of his comfort zone in Portugal could see him return a better player.

Whether he shines in Portuguese football remains to be seen. But he is a player with immense potential. It is just about turning said promise into proven quality. Hearts, meanwhile, will have to look elsewhere on deadline day for a signing.