Uganda coach Laszlo Csaba claims Hearts want him as their new manager.
The Hungarian, 44, is the latest name in the frame after recent target Vladimir Weiss opted for the Slovakia job instead.
Majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov's search for a new boss continues after caretaker manager Stephen Frail was placed on gardening leave last week.
Csaba will be remembered by Hearts fans for famously clashing with then boss John Robertson after a UEFA Cup match in 2004 when he was manager of Ferencvaros.
"It's true the Hearts owner would like me to be his new coach," Csaba told the Daily Record.
"I know Mr Romanov very well and that he's had some problems recently with his coaches.
"But I've got a contract with Uganda until 2010 and I would like to go to the African Cup of Nations and maybe even the World Cup with this team.
"Still, anything can happen and if Hearts really like me they should speak next to the president of the Ugandan Federation."
Meanwhile, Robertson - out of work after parting company with Irish outfit Derry City last year - has revealed he would welcome a return to Hearts.
