Mikhailichenko set for Hearts job

BBC Sport understands that he could be assisted by another former Rangers player, Oleg Kuznetsov.

And interim head coach Valdas Ivanauskas admits that he has had offers from German clubs, although he expects to remain at Tynecastle.

Hearts are refusing to comment, but owner Vladimir Romanov said they will make an announcement next Friday.

Mikhailichenko told the Daily Record: "I have not signed a contract with Hearts but don't want to say any more at this stage."

The former Soviet Union midfielder spent five years with Rangers after joining from Sampdoria before going into management with Dynamo Kiev, where he was sacked in 2004.

He this month led Ukraine to the final of the European Under-21 Championships, where they lost 2-1 to Netherlands in the final.

The arrival of the two from Ukraine would place a question mark over Ivanauskas' future, despite the Lithuanian having led the club to second in the Scottish Premier League and to victory in the Scottish Cup final.

He told the Edinburgh Evening News: "I know that Mr Romanov has interest in Mikhailichenko, but from what I know it is not 100%.

"Mr Romanov is still waiting. I have calls coming in from other countries now.

"My priority is Hearts, but I have clubs from Germany on the phone that are interesting me.

"I will have a last meeting with Mr Romanov on Monday morning - then I will know more.

"I think I will stay at Hearts, but whether I am assistant coach or another coach I do not know."

Taken from the BBC