Swedes target Hearts star Miko

The Stockholm-based club intend to reinforce their attacking midfield options and coach Siggi Jonsson has identified Mikoliunas as a potential signing target. Any deal will depend on Vladimir Romanov's willingness negotiate a quick sale, however.

Hearts' majority shareholder arrived in Edinburgh last night accompanied by Mikoliunas, Deividas Cesnauskis and Audrius Ksanavicius following Lithuania's 1-0 win over Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

Romanov is expected to take in tomorrow's vital SPL fixture with Dundee United, which Hearts must win to maintain hopes of a top-six finish. Mikoliunas is now doubtful for that match due to a stomach muscle injury sustained on international duty.

Djurgarden were today remaining coy on their intentions regarding the 23-year-old, who is officially on loan at Tynecastle from the Lithuanian side FBK Kaunas. Paul Lindholm, Djurgarden's assistant coach, said: "I'm not allowed to make any comments regarding new players we are looking at or are interested in."

Sports director Bosse Andersson added: "I will not speak about any names."

Mikoliunas would be expected to command a transfer fee of anything up to 500,000 although any proceeds would be controlled by Ukio Bankas Investment Group, Romanov's primary company which finances both Kaunas and Hearts.

Stephen Frail will be without Christos Karipidis tomorrow as the Greek defender has yet to overcome a back problem. Cesnauskis' is still suffering from the hamstring complain which forced him off against Falkirk last weekend.

"Karipidis is definitely out and Miko and Cesny are doubtful," said Hearts' interim manager. "Miko probably has the better chance of the two. He's done quite well over the last couple of weeks so, hopefully, he can keep that going if he plays.

"This is another massive game for us in relation to the top six. We need to keep the players motivated but focused. We don't want them so fired up that they can't concentrate on what they're doing.

"We didn't cause Falkirk enough problems last weekend and we need to change that tomorrow. The players will be set out to attack from the first whistle to try for the three points, which we know may not be enough in the end."

Frail was hopeful of including Juho Makela in his squad but the Finnish striker has sustained a minor injury and is now rated doubtful. Provided Christian Nade and Calum Elliot, suffering from a pelvic problem and viral complaint respectively, are fit enough, they will play together in attack.

"We have one or two options but, when I look at how well they did together at Inverness, it could be much the same tomorrow," said Frail. "The onus is on us to attack and create things and having Nade back in the squad would be a big bonus."

FORMER Hearts striker Ricardas Beniusis has moved swiftly to Latvia after returning to Kaunas only last week. The striker's loan deal at Tynecastle was ended prematurely and he returned to Lithuania but has now joined Metalurgs Liepaja.