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HEARTS today confirmed that German legend Lothar Matthaus is in the frame to be the club's next manager.

Matthaus' representatives contacted the Gorgie club to express an interest in the position although as yet no interview has taken place.

The 150-times capped Matthaus is currently in charge of the Hungarian national side but is keen to be involved in the day-to-day side of club management. And a spokesperson for Hearts confirmed to the Evening News today that he is being considered.

"Lothar has expressed an interest in becoming our manager and he will be considered along with the other candidates," said the spokesperson. The 44-year-old certainly fits the big-name Vladimir Romanov has targeted to spearhead his Tynecastle revolution, although whether he has enough managerial experience is open to debate.

Before taking charge of the Hungarian national side in 2003 Matthaus had a brief spell with Rapid Vienna before leading Partizan Belgrade to two league titles and into the Champions League.

Matthaus revealed: "I am happy with my job in Hungary, but I do miss the daily side of working with players.

"I have a contract here until the end of the year, but I am open to everything and I could leave tomorrow if I wanted.

"Scotland is a football country and Scottish football is not only about Rangers and Celtic. I am aware of Hearts' history and that they are one of Scotland's major clubs. I like that.

"The Hearts job is one of the best in Scottish football and it is an intriguing prospect. I saw them play Ferencvaros in the UEFA Cup last season and they played with a lot of heart.

"I have not spoken to Hearts about the coaching job but it is an interesting proposition."

Despite Matthaus' interest the firm favourites to succeed John Robertson in the Tynecastle hot-seat remain former Parma boss Nevio Scala and ex-Ipswich and Derby manager George Burley.

Italian Scala was interviewed by Jambos chief executive Phil Anderton in London on Sunday while it is understood Burley met with the former SRU man yesterday. With the search to find Robertson's replacement having gone on more than a month the club are keen to have a new man installed as soon as possible.

And with the likes of Phil Stamp, Kevin McKenna, Ramon Pereira, Patrick Kisnorbo, Tepi Moilanen, Neil Janczyk and Michael Stewart all having quit the club recently, whoever is appointed will need to heavily rebuild the squad.

Chairman George Foulkes said: "The aim is to hopefully make an appointment no later than the start of next week."

And Anderton added: "We have our shortlist of managers and are meeting them for interviews. We are not going to rush the process although we are getting closer to making a decision."

Meanwhile, Robertson could make a quick return to management with Ross County. The First Division side are on the lookout for a new boss after parting company with Alex Smith and Robertson has emerged as the front-runner.

His agent John Colquhoun said: "It's no secret John is looking for a return to work and he would be open-minded about any position which is available."

Taken from the Scotsman