Yan Dhanda reveals the moment Hearts transfer dream was on his mind as recruit makes pledge to fans

Yan Dhanda finally became a Hearts player on Wednesday - and admitted he’s been desperate to join the Jambos since he made his Premiership debut against them two years ago.

The former Ross County playmaker is Steven Naismith’s sixth signing of the summer after penning a three-year deal having agreed a pre-contract back in January. And the 25-year-old midfielder - dubbed “one of the most exciting players in the league” by his new boss - revealed he’s been dreaming of the move ever since his first top flight start for the Staggies at Tynecastle in August 2022.

That became a reality after he scored a goal of the season contender for County in Gorgie back in December. And Dhanda - whose grandad and uncle are Jambos season ticket holders - said: “From the moment I was at Ross County and I played against Hearts the first game of last season, I said to my family, this is where I wanted to be. Every time I played against Hearts I wanted to do well and catch the eye. It means so much to me and my family to be here. After the game I played here and scored a good goal, all I was thinking was ‘I hope Hearts try and sign me after that!’

"So yeah, a couple weeks later I had a good conversation with people at Hearts and then the manager called me and as soon as I spoke to him, I knew this was the right place for me. I think he's someone I can really learn from and kick on and go to the next level.

“We had a lot of positive conversations. This is the place for me to keep improving.”

Naismith has high hopes for the former Swansea City ace who he dubbed a statement signing. The Jambos boss said: “I think it’s clear to see that he’s one of the most exciting players in the league.

"It’s another statement on our part as we look to add the