Hearts Standard understands Lyon viewed the Portuguese forward as one of their main targets this summer after an impressive debut season, which saw him win a glut of individual awards, including the PFA Scotland and Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year.
The French side, who finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, are looking to revamp their attack. Endrick has returned to Real Madrid following his loan and they have brought in nearly €30million by selling Afonso Moreira to Bayer Leverkusen.
Braga arrived on a six-figure deal last summer from Norwegian side Aalesunds, who have a sell-on clause, and Hearts value the player at between £8m and £10million. They won’t sell him for any less.
Such a sale would be an incredible piece of business on a player signed for around £400,000 just 12 months ago, having never played in a top-flight before.
The 26-year-old scored 14 goals in 44 appearances in his debut season at Tynecastle Park. It prompted interest from around Europe and Hearts have been preparing themselves for bids this summer.
Braga emerged as a cult hero among the club’s fans last season. He endeared himself through his goals, his style of play and personality. It led to an iconic terrace anthem from the Hearts support.
Now Lyon appear to be at the front of the queue for the player who has ambitions to play for the Portuguese national team.
If they were to pursue and finalise a deal, it could surpass the record sale of £9million the club earned when they sold Craig Gordon to Sunderland.
Braga’s possible departure would mean another key figure from last season’s title-contending team departing.
Lawrence Shankland, the club’s top scorer from last season, has already joined Rangers, while Michael Steinwender is on the verge of a move to the German second tier. Cammy Devlin’s future is still unclear with the player out of contract this summer.
Frankie Kent, Alan Forrest, Beni Baningime and Lewis Neilson have all departed and Islam Chesnokov is set to follow.
Hearts have already completed five signings this summer with two more on the way in Sabri Guendouz and Tom Renaud.
