Hearts have made a dramatic bid to bring Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson back to Tynecastle, according to reports.
Ann Budge wants to bring the Jambos' former player and boss to return to the dugout as a replacement for Daniel Stendel, who looks set to leave the club.
United have reluctantly allowed Hearts to open talks with the manager after he expressed an interest in rejoining his former club.
The Daily Record reports the Arabs knocked back Hearts' initial approach, but a deal could be struck within the next 24 hours if a six-figure compensation package is agreed.
Neilson previously led Hearts to the Championship title in 2015, before departing for MK Dons in 2016.
Stendel's future has yet to be resolved following Hearts' relegation to the Championship but his deal includes a clause which permitted him to leave should the club go down.
That situation is complicated by Hearts ' legal bid against their demotion from the top flight, but the former Barnsley boss has indicated he would like to return to the club.
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