Laszlo gives transfer dealings to Hearts' new sport director

CSABA LASZLO has passed full responsibility for Hearts' transfer dealings on to the club's newly-appointed sport director, Alexandr Metlitski.

The Belarussian spent this week in his homeland but was due to return to Riccarton today to take up the pursuit of transfer targets.

Hearts saw Charlton Athletic's Izale McLeod slip from their grasp earlier this week and Laszlo is waiting to see if Metlitski will conclude a proposed loan move for Plymouth Argyle's Steven MacLean. He had also recommended Aberdeen's Richard Foster as a pre-contract signing but the player has now verbally agreed to extend his stay at Pittodrie.

Bojan Djordjic of AIK Stockholm and Everton's Kieran Agard are also on Laszlo's list as potential loan signings, but the manager ominously said today that he will regard any new recruit as a bonus.

"I have given everything to the sport director and he must now deal with this," said Laszlo.

"I think I have done everything I can, I also have other names on my list which are very interesting but this is the sport director's hands. He must do everything.

"I will concentrate on what I have at the moment and I hope we get some players. If we get a new player, it will be a bonus for me. I can't make the decision, the board must make the decision. My job is to tell my suggestions, tell in which position we have a problem, the rest is not in my hands."

Ugandan midfielder David Obua is poised to return for Hearts in place of the suspended Ruben Palazuelos for tomorrow's Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at Aberdeen. "I am so sorry for Ruben, he is an important part of the team but he lost his head in the derby and now he is out," said Laszlo. "David Obua is back. He is over his illness and he is training with the team. He is in the squad for tomorrow."

Hearts are likely to be without Jose Goncalves at Pittodrie due to a muscle complaint, which may ensure a reprieve for Lithuanian Marius Cinikas, who was expected to drop out of the side to allow Goncalves to return from suspension.

"We have a lot of injury problems, this is not the best weather to play football," complained Laszlo. "Jose Goncalves has muscle problems so he may need one or two weeks rest. The team which played against Hibs is okay and we will travel with this squad to Aberdeen."