Riku Handa IS Hearts transfer target as Steven Naismith looks to Japan for reinforcements

Japanese right back Riku Handa is being chased by Hearts.

Steven Naismith is in the market for that position after the long-serving Michael Smith left the club at the end of the season when his contract expired. Australian international Nathaniel Atkinson impressed during Naismith’s interim spell in charge over the final games of the season, but competition is needed on the right hand side of defence and Record Sport can confirm the capital club are interested in Riku.

Japanese outlet Hochi is reporting the Jambos have made a loan offer to the 21-year-old’s current club, Gamba Osaka. The offer is said to include an option to make the move permanent. Handa only joined Gamba this season, making the step up from Yamagata and has established himself as first choice. The Under 22 international also received his first call-up to the full national squad in March and is thought to be keen to try his luck overseas to further enhance his prospects with the Samurai Blue.

Any switch to Tynecastle would see him link up with fellow countryman Yutaro Oda. The forward took a while to settle after arriving back in January, but came to the fore after Naismith replaced Robbie Neilson in April. Riku is a current teammate of former Jambo Ryotaro Meshino. He was signed on loan from Manchester City under Craig Levein, having originally left Gamba Osaka for the mega rich English champions.

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