Steven Naismith is edging towards landing the Hearts gig permanently, according to a report.
The Jambos are believed to have held a board meeting last night to discuss the direction they want to go in for Robbie Neilson's successor and the Scottish Sun report they discussed the merits of going with Naisy or make a move for Hammarby boss Marti Cifuentes.
Former Scotland international Naismith - who took the final seven games of the Premiership campaign under his watch and finished fourth - is now reported to be the frontrunner and could be announced within the next 24 hours.
READ MORE: Former Hearts boss Ian Cathro to work with Real Madrid hero Karim Benzema after mega-money transfer
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
The Gorgie outfit return to pre-season training later this month as they step up preparations for the new domestic campaign and crack at Europe. They enter the Europa Conference League at the third qualifying stage and will need to navigate two rounds to reach the lucrative group stage of the competition once again.
Naismith pulled out of Scotland's training camp in Spain to remain in the country as he awaited a decision from the hierarchy at Tynecastle with a decision imminent.
He is likely to leave his role in Steve Clarke's set up to put his full focus on his first managerial job at Hearts states the same story.
The 36-year-old stepped into the interim role from his B team position at the club.
READ NEXT:
- Hearts trio Kye Rowles, Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson land Australia call-up to face Argentina
- Barrie McKay Hearts injury timeline explained as forward undergoes ankle surgery
- Hearts confirm pre-season return plan as Jambos prepare for European qualifying campaign
- Callum Paterson shuts down Hearts return with Scotland international keen to stay in England
- Ex-Hibs hero Jason Cummings bags hat-trick to seal A-League title with Central Coast Mariners
