Mikey Johnston is reported to have turned down the opportunity to join Hearts with a deal expected today to join Vitoria Guimaraes on loan.
The winger hasn’t featured in any Celtic squads this season but Ange Postecoglou has spoken positively about his need to get regular first team football.
Having suffered a couple of injuries it was anticipated that Johnston would be moving to the continent but this morning the Edinburgh News has reported that there was another SPFL Premiership showing interest.
Hearts have also made a move for the Celtic winger Mikey Johnston, however he is in talks with Vitoria Guimaraes about a loan switch to Portugal. That is expected to be finalised today.
Hearts would seem like a strange option with Barry Mackay, Alan Forrest and Gary Mackay-Steven already competing for the wide positions. A new striker looks like a priority for Robbie Neilson who will be without Liam Boyce until the new year leaving Lawrence Shankland as their only strike option.
At the age of 23 Johnston has only started 18 SPFL matches with 33 more appearances coming off the bench.
Getting close to 30 games for Guimares should give him the experience that he requires although with Sead Haksabanovic the latest winger at Celtic his prospects of forcing his way into the first team squad next season look unlikely.
Guimaraes are currently in eighth place in the Portuguese League with six points from four matches.
A move to Portugal is best for his development, which has been very slow.
Why would anyone who wants to develop move to Farts?