New man needs a a desire to win

The majority shareholder is currently scouring a host of applicants who wish to manage at Tynecastle but has yet to reach a decision on the successful candidate.

Sporting director Anatoli Korobochka will return to his overseeing role after deputising as interim head coach during the closing weeks of last season.

Assistant coach Stephen Frail's position is safe for next year but, with pre-season training resuming at Riccarton next week, news of a managerial appointment is eagerly awaited.

Neil Warnock and Radomir Antic have spoken publicly on the allure of the Hearts job recently and Romanov is seeking an experienced coach to mount a sustained title challenge next season.

Charlie Mann, spokesperson for the Lithuania-based businessman, revealed top money will be paid in order to lure the right man.

"There have been lots of European scouts and agents working on this issue," he said.

"They know the money's there, in terms of a personal deal, finance for players and all-round club development.

"I don't think Vladimir would be shy to pay the right money for the right guy. He also wants the right person at the right price. A lot of money was paid to get George Burley, who I think would have been the third highest-paid manager in Scotland at the time he came to Hearts."

Lothar Matthaus yesterday revealed he would not be applying for the Hearts vacancy and Mann believes the new head coach must possess a good awareness of Scottish football.

"With new rules coming in stating clubs must have a certain number of home-grown players in their squad, it is important that managers are more aware of talent in their own country," he said.

"Vladimir has had lots of applicants for this job and some of them are top names. He wants someone with a burning desire to take Hearts to the next level."