Romanov predicting few signings

But he insists that Valdas Ivanauskas' side will still be able to challenge Celtic and Rangers for the Scottish Premier League title.

Romanov said: "I don't think we will purchase many players this season.

"I expect us to promote from the academy. I don't think Celtic and Rangers will progress much and I think we can play at their level."

Romanov's reign produced a string of signings last season, including 11 alone in January.

Former Hearts bosses George Burley and Graham Rix left the club last season complaining that Romanov had interfered with the choice of those being recruited and in team selection.

I want to see progress in the style Hearts play

Vladimir Romanov

But the Russian businessman expects to take more of a back seat now that Ivanauskas has been joined by new sporting director Eduard Malofeev.

"Ivanauskas and Malofeev will be responsible for that," said Romanov.

"I want them not only to use experienced players but also use young players.

"That may be a risk, but I want to see young players in the team and for Hearts to have a unique style of football.

"There will be no more room for slow defenders any more because the style of Scottish football will become more and more attacking."

However, Romanov was not for giving Ivanauskas a great amount of time to make his mark.

"I want to see progress in the style Hearts play, not just results," he said.

"We'll wait for the first half of the season before making any decisions."

Romanov said he dreams of creating a stadium for Hearts to match the Olympic Stadium that hosted the World Cup final in Germany this summer.

And he hopes it could one day, with the help of Edinburgh Council, become the new home of Scotland's international side.

Meanwhile, Hearts assistant coach John McGlynn has hinted that former Benfica right-back Tiago Costa has not done enough on trial to win a contract.

"I don't think there's much point signing someone if they aren't better than what you already have and we already have two right-backs," said McGlynn.

"When Nerijus Barasa is available, we have cover at right-back for Robbie Neilson.

"They are challenging for that position and it remains to be seen whether he's better than them."

McGlynn pointed out that Jason Thomson, who has gone on loan to Livingston, also played in that position.

Taken from the BBC