Andres Salazar to Hearts transfer timeline revealed as Steven Naismith explains Kyosuke Tagawa exit thinking

Steven Naismith expects to get confirmation of Andres Salazar's signing next week.

The Colombian international left back was granted a Governing Body Endorsement (GB) at an SFA panel meeting on Thursday. That allows Hearts to move on to the next stage of admin, which is applying to the Home Office for a UK visa and work permit. If those are granted, which is likely, then his loan deal with an option to buy from Atletico Nacional can be rubber stamped, making him the Jambos' 10th signing of the summer.

"I think both clubs are there, on the same page with what we want," said Naismith ahead of Hearts' clash with Dundee on Saturday. "We now just need to do the paperwork, the issues with visas and work permits. I don't expect that to get confirmed until next week but every day there are things going on in the background to get that over the line."

Meanwhile, Naismith has explained the thinking behind Kyosuke Tagawa's imminent departure. Hearts have accepted a bid form J League outfit Kashima Antlers for the striker, who netted three times in 21 appearances for the capital club.

"Yes, we got a bid that we felt was acceptable," said Naismith. "And after speaking to him, it became clear it was going to be the best move for everybody.

"He's been unfortunate in terms of getting the minutes he wanted and needed. As a person, his professionalism and character was all fantastic. He was good to work with and didn't cause any problems when he wasn't getting the game time.

"But after the bid came in, we spoke about it and it probably suits everyone that that happens as he gets more game time. He's been unfortunate that we've got strikers who performed really well last season, which limited his time. It's just a natural thing that