Mark McGhee keen on Hearts job after Romanov talks

MARK McGHEE has met Vladimir Romanov and been formally interviewed for the position of Hearts manager, the Evening News can reveal.

The Motherwell manager has a number of clubs seeking to lure him away from Fir Park after guiding the club into Europe, however Tynecastle would be his first-choice destination if he can attain certain assurances from Romanov.

Despite interest from Scotland, England and the continent, McGhee is keen to take control of Hearts due to their potential to be the SPL's unrivalled third force. He has discussed a potential salary in the region of £375,000 a year with Romanov for the position but also wants a clause inserted in his contract stating that he alone will pick the team.

Romanov has yet to agree to that demand as well as certain others but talks have been positive and remain ongoing. Representatives of Ukio Bankas Investment Group, including financial expert Mindaugas Nikolicius, who is currently based at Tynecastle, have also been involved in the discussions.

McGhee still has a year remaining on his contract as Motherwell manager and Hearts would therefore be liable to pay compensation should he leave. However, no appointment is imminent at this stage with further discussions likely over the coming weeks once McGhee returns from holiday. Tonight's meeting with Hibs is likely to be his final match in charge of Motherwell.

Scott Leitch, a former Tynecastle player, would move with McGhee as his assistant, which would place question marks over the position of Stephen Frail. Currently interim manager, Frail privately has doubts regarding his future having been in sole charge since January.

John Boyle, the Motherwell chairman, is aware of Hearts' interest in McGhee but no official approaches have been made to date.

"There will be speculation because we've done well this season," said Boyle. "Any approach would have to be made through Motherwell. That's the way it's done in Scotland. These things have to be done in the proper manner."

Asked if he and McGhee would consider moving to Hearts, Leitch said: "You have to consider every option if someone wants to speak to you. It's just like being a player. You have to have the decency to talk to someone if they ask to talk to you. We have a game against Hibs and the manager and myself are focused on that. After that who knows what will happen?"