North Macedonian giants FK Vardar have immediately rejected Heart of Midlothian’s opening bid for Ugandan international winger Rogers Mato, Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
Hearts have opened negotiations with an initial offer of £300,000, but Vardar are holding out for a fee closer to £600,000 and made it clear the first proposal was well below their valuation. Talks are expected to continue as the January transfer window gathers pace, with the Tynecastle club assessing their next move.
Mato, 22, remains one of the most sought-after young wingers in the region. As previously reported by Footy-Africa, the Uganda Cranes international has impressed with his direct running, pace and attacking output since joining Vardar, establishing himself as a key figure and attracting interest from multiple European clubs.
Hearts circle prolific Uganda Cranes star Rogers Mato in January move
The winger’s contract runs until December this year after a six-month extension, a situation that places Vardar under pressure to consider a sale this month rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee later. Even so, the Skopje-based club are prepared to stand firm on their valuation and are braced for strong interest throughout the window.
Hearts are continuing to explore other options as they look to strengthen their squad, but Mato remains a priority target. With competition building and Vardar unwilling to budge from their £600,000 asking price, negotiations are set to be decisive in the coming weeks.
