VLADIMIR Romanov, the Hearts owner, is considering a £750,000 move to sign the Liverpool youngster Darren Potter.

Romanov is understood to be prepared to splash out his biggest transfer fee yet to strengthen head coach Graham Rix's squad, even though Potter is currently out with a broken bone in his back.

Romanov and his son Roman, the Hearts chairman and acting chief executive, are believed to have met with the 21-year-old's representatives in Liverpool last week to discuss the possibility of a move north. A second meeting is planned in Edinburgh with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 internationalist.

Potter, 20, has yet to commit to any deal but Romanov has clearly illustrated a desire to land the attacking midfielder.

Potter was firmly in Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's plans at the beginning of the season when he featured heavily in the club's Champions League qualifying campaign. The right-sided midfielder, who can also provide cover in defence, is currently recovering from a freak injury picked up in the 2-0 reserve win over Manchester United on 6 December.

Potter, who is expected to be fit by the end of January, fractured his vertebrae after falling awkwardly and had to be taken from the pitch on a stretcher as he suffered back spasms.

It is likely that the Liverpool-born player came to Romanov's attention playing in Europe as he featured in the 5-1 aggregate win over FBK Kaunas, the Lithuanian side also owned by the Russian-born multi-millionaire.

Potter also turned out in the two legs against Welsh minnows TNS and in the home defeat to CSKA Sofia.

The Irishman's last appearance for the European Champions came on November 23 in the goalless draw with Real Betis when he made an 89th minute appearance in place of captain Steven Gerrard.

Hearts are also considering a move for another player from the Czech Republic in Teplice defender Josef Kaufman.

Romanov, who has already brought Michal Pospisil, Roman Bednar and Rudi Skacel to Edinburgh, has expressed an interest in the 21-year-old right-back.

Romanov may buy the Under-21 player for his Lithuanian side FC Kaunas and then loan him to Hearts in a deal similar to that of striker Edgaras Jankauskas.

Kaufman's agent, Viktor Kolar, said: "Josef Kaufman is a player that Mr Romanov has watched several times and we will just have to wait and see if Hearts are going to follow up their interest."

Hearts have also been linked with the Moldova international defender Yuri Priganiuc.

Romanov admitted yesterday he may not find a candidate suitable to fill the director of football role until after the January transfer window closes.

This is despite Roman Romanov telling fans last month that he already had a director of football working "incognito".

Romanov senior reportedly said: "I am scared of breaking the spirit we have in the club by choosing the wrong man."

Taken from the Scotsman