Hearts have confirmed the signing of once Rangers-linked Liverpool international Ben Woodburn in a sizeable coup for the Scottish Premiership side.
The Welsh international attacker, 21, was at one point amongst the most highly-rated players in the Anfield Academy and remains the club’s youngest ever goalscorer.
Woodburn has also been capped 10 times by his country, scoring twice, and will bring pace and versatility to the Hearts forward line and as an offensive midfielder.
The deal comes after reports last week had suggested Robbie Neilson’s side were closing in on a move for the attacker, who has had spells with Sheffield United, Oxford Town and Blackpool as a loanee.
“I’m delighted to be here and get the deal done. It’s been a couple of weeks now that I’ve known Hearts were interested and now I’m here I just can’t wait to get started,” said Woodburn [Hearts].
“When I heard about the interest I was buzzing. I spoke to Andy Robertson. He talked about a few of the boys he knows. He said there is a good bunch of lads here and I should enjoy it.
“It just looks like a massive club. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and see the atmosphere. I’m buzzing to be here and hopefully I can prove to them (the fans) that I can be a great player for you.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is obviously a Liverpool legend and as a result, the Gers have previously recruited loan deals from the Reds.
Ryan Kent stands as the most prominent example but the likes of Sheyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria are other examples of the Ibrox side utilising their gaffer’s contacts.
Woodburn is another name that has been routinely linked to Ibrox with the most prominent links appearing in the Scottish Sun in January 2019.
These links came after a loan move to Sheffield United was cut short with the same report claiming Rangers were interested in the summer of 2018.
For whatever reason, a move to Ibrox wasn’t to be but now Woodburn will be looking to leave an impression at Tynecastle.
Whilst Woodburn won’t be coming into Rangers, read more about one club insider had to say about Premier League interest in a key Ibrox talent.
