BY ALAN TEMPLE – Capital City Press
Robbie Neilson reckons Hearts have secured a ready made replacement for Genero Zeefuik in bustling striker Juanma.
The 24-year-old confirmed yesterday that he is set to become the Jambos’ third summer signing, tweeting “looking forward to starting my new challenge with Hearts” from a Spanish airport.
The arrival of the former Levante forward, who notched seven goals for Greek side Kalloni last season, will add to the captures of Blazej Augustyn and Gavin Reilly.
Burly Dutchman Zeefuik scored 12 goals in 15 appearances during a loan stint from Groningen last month – but the signing of six-foot-two Juanma means the capital club are unlikely to pursue a permanent move.
Neilson said: “We tried to get him a few weeks ago and it fell flat because of the issue with his contract over there.
“We’ve been waiting to hear back from the agent to find out what the situation is. It appears to be that he is free, although until I see something in black and white, I’ll wait and see.
“I like him, he’s a very good player and he would definitely cause problems in Scotland. He’s six-foot-two, he’s strong and he’s areal aerial threat.
“We identified him in the January window but we couldn’t do anything and ended up bringing Genero Zeefuik in. We went back again and hopefully we can get it done.
“When he [Juanma] finally comes, if he does come, then he’ll be a big asset for us.”
Neilson, who is targeting another “two or three” new arrivals, also confirmed he has no interest in Danish under-21 internationalist Jens Jonsson.
