Hellas Verona has outpaced Lecce in the race to secure Hearts’ talented right-back, Daniel Oyegoke, during the January transfer window. The 22-year-old, of Nigerian descent, has been a hot topic among Serie A clubs, with his impressive form drawing significant interest.

Initially, Lecce led the chase, viewing Oyegoke as the ideal replacement for Patrick Dorgu. However, Verona’s last-minute intervention seems to have sealed the deal, as reports from Sky Italia suggest the Italian outfit is now closing in on finalizing the transfer.

Hearts manager Neil Critchley had previously hinted at Oyegoke’s imminent departure, and with Verona now in pole position, it’s only a matter of time before the move becomes official.

Oyegoke, who has made 26 appearances for Hearts this season, has shown consistent quality in defense. His football journey began at Arsenal’s academy before a switch to Brentford in 2021. The defender gained valuable experience during loan spells at Milton Keynes Dons and Bradford City, racking up 37 Football League appearances.

The young star’s talent extends to the international stage, where he represented England at various youth levels, including the U19 team that clinched the European Championship in 2022.

For Oyegoke, this move marks an exciting step in his career as he prepares to test himself in one of Europe’s top leagues.