Hearts have applied for a work permit to sign Manchester City youngster Ryotaro Meshino.
Meshino joined City from J-League club Gamba Osaka earlier this month.
The Daily Record says the 21-year-old watched the Jambos draw with Ross County last week ahead of a move to Tynecastle.
Terms have been agreed between the two parties and now a work permit is all that stands in the way of a move being completed.