Laszlo offers cryptic clue on Stewart's Italian suitors

With Laszlo knowing that raising funds would enhance his bid to sign a much-needed striker, the Hungarian cunningly let slip that two unnamed Scottish players are attracting interest from Italy and a successful team from the Bundesliga in Germany.

Laszlo, who is wary of today's visitors Inverness after they sacked manager Craig Brewster at the beginning of the week, said: "It's not a big secret that a scout from an Italian Serie A side was here and he watched one midfield player. The coach phoned me and asked about the player, this is what I know. The scout was here and watched our game against Kilmarnock. This club is not Juventus but it is a good club and I am happy about this. Maybe they don't move in January but the interest is there.

"I also heard a club from the Bundesliga have an interest in a player, this is a club that is not in the bottom, they are in the top three. If the interest is there, they have seven days to decide.

"I can't tell you which club but I know there is interest. If they come, I am happy. The interest from the clubs is for two different Scottish players."

While reluctant to confirm Stewart is the player being pursued by the unnamed Italian side, it's likely he is the player in question given, when you piece together Laszlo's blatant clues, that the 27-year-old was the sole Scottish national in the midfield for the 2-0 win at Rugby Park.

Asked if Stewart would like to play in Italy, Laszlo replied: "He has the potential, I have said before. I was very unsatisfied with him in last six weeks but he is the big winner against Kilmarnock. He was one of the best players.

"He came back and he showed his potential. If he can continue this, he is interesting for big clubs. Michael Stewart had eight years at Manchester United and his football knowledge is fantastic but sometimes he does not use it."

Hearts captain Christophe Berra is another player whose future is the subject of intense speculation with the defender said to be on Fulham and Sunderland's radar.

And Laszlo, who claimed he was in the dark over Dynamo Kiev's reported interest in Andy Driver, admits he has a contingency plan if the Scotland internationalist were to leave.

He added: "At the moment I have a target in mind for centre defence because everyone talks about Berra. If Berra goes, I can take this player immediately, we have discussed money. I know at this moment, if we have an offer for Berra and we sold him, immediately I can go and take a player for his position, a young player."

Laszlo also revealed how an attempt to sign Argentine striker Diego Klimowicz, who subsequently joined Bochum from Borussia Dortmund this month, ended as soon as it came to discussing wages.

He said: "Someone said get Klimowicz. I spoke with his agent and he said no problem, he said he can come immediately. Do you know much his salary is a year? 3million. I don't think a club in Scotland can pay 3million. For this, it's better that you buy a house."

Hearts goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald is set to continue in goal this afternoon with Janos Balogh, who is close to signing a permanent contract, still injured with a neck complaint.

Midfielder Laryea Kingston is set to return from a hamstring strain but Ruben Palazuelos, who played against Kilmarnock, is ruled out with a knee problem.

Lee Wallace is available from suspension but Marius Zaliukas sits the game out with a ban.

Taken from the Scotsman