Hearts will make a "final push" in their bid to land Daniel Stendel as their next boss - according to a report.
The 45-year-old German has been locked in talks with the Jambos as Ann Budge looks to secure her No.1 target to replace Craig Levein .
Budge watched it on from the stands at Ibrox as interim boss Austin MacPhee's side were pummelled 5-0 by Rangers on Sunday.
The Edinburgh Evening News report further talks between the former Barnsley manager and Hearts took place over the weekend and he is keen to bring in trusted lieutenants Chris Stern and Dale Tonge.
Supporters have been left increasingly frustrated with the long-running search since Levein was sacked at the end of October.
Hearts are currently languishing in 10th place with only goal difference keeping them above St Johnstone and St Mirren.
But capturing Stendel will go some way to appeasing a support who have had to endure a wretched start to the campaign with only two league wins all season.
The wildly-popular former Oakwell boss visited the club's stadium and training ground the weekend before last as he refuses to rush his final decision.
He established himself as a Barnsley icon after leading them to promotion from League One to the Championship before being axed after a slow start to life in England's second tier.
Meanwhile, Neil Warnock has no interest in the Jambos vacancy and isn't seeking a swift return to management.
