John Kennedy would cost Hearts a six-figure compensation package to lure the Celtic No2 to Tynecastle, according to a report.
Steven Naismith is currently in the hot seat as interim gaffer following the sacking of Robbie Neilson and knows big results against Rangers and Hibs in the final two games of the season and securing third spot in the Premiership table will put him in a strong position to land the job.
But Hoops assistant Kennedy is believed to be on a managerial shortlist with the Scottish Sun claiming sporting director Joe Savage has the highly-regarded coach high on his list of options if former Rangers and Scotland star Naisy isn't handed the gig permanently.
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Treble-chasing Celtic don't want to lose Ange Postecoglou's right hand man but know Kennedy has ambitions of being a manger in his own right one day. The same report states the Scottish champions have a set amount that would have to be triggered before any green light is given to hold talks over any potential switch.
Hearts go into the midweek showdown under the lights at Ibrox with Rangers trailing Aberdeen by just two points in the race to finish best of the rest.
Celtic are heavy favourites to lift the Scottish Cup and if they do, that would open up a guaranteed European group stage campaign for the team ending the season in third spot. They would enter the Europa League play-off round and have the fallback of guaranteed Europa Conference League football and the millions that comes with it.
Barry Robson's men face St Mirren and know a win for them and Hearts failure to get a victory in Glasgow would secure the best of the rest and potential Euro bonus tonight.
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