Hearts must move quickly if they want to net Scala

HEARTS must move quickly if they are to appoint Nevio Scala as director of football, with a mystery Italian club and an eastern European nation coveting his services.

The wily Italian coach intends to meet with Hearts officials during a visit to Edinburgh next month, but he has revealed some of the other options open to him as he seeks an avenue back into football after leaving Spartak Moscow in 2004.

With Valdas Ivanauskas still favourite to become permanent head coach at Tynecastle, majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov has already stated his desire for an experienced figurehead to oversee football operations.

Scala said today: "I spoke with some people from Hearts two weeks ago and I told them that I am a little busy in Italy just now, but when I am finished on my farm then I will come to Edinburgh for a hunting trip.

"I don't go hunting very often - it is just an excuse to make a trip to Scotland. I will meet with the people I know from Hearts when I am in Edinburgh because we are still in contact. I have had contact with many other clubs, but not from Hearts. I have spoken with a club president and general manager in Italy and next week I will meet with them again.

"Soon I will fly to eastern Europe to discuss another job, managing a small national team. I want to check everything and maybe in the next month I will take a decision. If Hearts come and talk to me I will be very happy to come to Scotland, but it does not depend only on me."

Hearts' interest in the Belenenses striker Albert Meyong is on hold for the moment as the player awaits contact from Tynecastle.

Hearts were also linked today with South Korean international Ahn Jung-hwan, whilst Rudi Skacel is almost certain to head to Southampton.

Taken from the Scotsman