Hearts sign Brazilian defender Igor Rossi Branco

Hearts have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Igor Rossi Branco, subject to international clearance.

The centre-back, 26, has penned a one-year contract with the Scottish Premiership club.

Branco arrives at Tynecastle Stadium from Portuguese side Maritimo, where he has spent the past four years.

"I am very much looking forward to living in Edinburgh," he told the club's official website. "As soon as I knew Hearts were interested in me I was on the internet looking at the city and it is beautiful and so full of history. My wife is also very excited to be coming to live in Scotland.

"I believe I will bring good experience from my five years playing in the Portuguese first division and in the Europa League. I want to help the club challenge in every tournament we play in and I want to help my new teammates.

"I am a leader, I play aggressively and with a lot of passion and I like to have the ball at my feet and play from the back. From what I have seen this is the Hearts way. I'm also hoping to score some goals as I'm good in the air."

Branco could make his debut for Hearts on Sunday when they host Everton in a friendly.