Heart snares Croatian striker

Tadic, 24, became Heart’s latest recruit after the arrivals of Liberian international Patrick Gerhardt, defender Steven Gray, Young Socceroo Golgol Mebrahtu and two-time A-League champion Andrew Redmayne.

Boasting an impressive first touch, a deceptive turn of pace and strength in possession, Tadic will bolster Heart’s attacking stocks during the upcoming campaign, with his clinical finishing ability making him a danger in and around the 18-yard box, the club said.

Coach John Aloisi revealed his delight at Tadic’s signing, saying the former Croatia youth international possesses all the tools required to succeed in the league.

“Josip’s a number nine, holds up the ball well, finds good positions in the box and is a goal scorer. He’s a very important signing,” Aloisi said.

“Having won three titles on the bounce during his time at Dinamo Zagreb alongside Luka Modric, Josip will bring a winning mentality and is the perfect type of player for our system.

“He will be the player we look for to score goals and we’re sure he will. Josip is a player with a lot to prove.”

Tadic arrives at Heart after an accomplished career in Europe, where the angular attacker enjoyed stints with German outfits Bayer Leverkusen and Arminia Bielefeld and French Ligue 1 side Grenoble.

Tadic enjoyed his greatest success with Dinamo, scoring 20 goals in 62 appearances as part of the club's golden generation which included the likes of Modric, Eduardo, Vedran Corluka and Mario Mandzukic, winning three successive league titles from 2006.

Featuring in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League campaigns, Tadic’s form at Zagreb saw him earn international recognition, collecting over 20 caps for Croatia at under-21 level, finding the back of the net on five occasions.