Vladimir Romanov ready to buy into Russian club

He says he is ready to help debt-ridden Saturn Ramenskoye out of financial trouble, to avoid their relegation or even closure.

It is understood the move would not affect his long-term investment in the Tynecastle club.

Romanov told Moscow newspaper Sovetsky Sport: "I was approached about it at the end of last year."

Saturn finished tenth in the Russian premier league last season but have had their main source of funding, from the Moscow regional government, withdrawn.

Romanove added: "I have always had interest in Russian football and it doesn't cool down. At the moment it is all just at the stage of an offer.

"Evidently, now I need to meet the owners of Saturn or any competent officials who represent it."

Asked if he should be expected in Moscow soon, he replied: "If they invite me, I will come. I want to get rid of my football business in Lithuania where there is no real football any more. Just bookmakers games. I do not want to be part of it."

Romanov admitted he was aware of Saturn's substantial debt but it didn't daunt him.

"How much is it in US dollars? $26 million? Debts are a natural thing in football clubs," he said.

Asked why he needed a club in Russia, Romanov said: "It's out of pure interest. Since in Lithuania they do not have football any more, I need to develop it elsewhere. I will probably transfer some of my players (in Lithuania) to Russia."

Meanwhile, two Irn-Bru Second Division games have rescheduled for a second time for next Tuesday, 18 January.

The Dumbarton v Alloa game due to have been played on Saturday 27 November was first switched to Tuesday 7 December and will now go ahead on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

Livingston's trip to East Fife, postponed on both Saturday 4 and Tuesday 14 December, will now take place on Tuesday with a 7.45pm kick off.