Hearts closing in on McInnes as new manager – Daily Business

Hearts look set to name Derek McInnes as their new manager – if compensation can be agreed with Kilmarnock.

Formal talks have been taking place between the two clubs as the Jambos look to find a successor to Neil Critchley, sacked last month after failing to make the top six.

McInnes has two years to run on his Rugby Park contract, but Hearts are in desperate need for a manager with a proven track record in Scotland’s top flight and will be willing to dig deep to secure the services of the former Aberdeen boss.

Earlier this season, the 53-year-old was touted as a replacement for the sacked Steven Naismith with Hearts opting for Critchley, who is understood to have been the cheaper option with no compensation required.

The Edinburgh club is unlikely to make the same mistake again, with many observers believing McInnes is the safe pair of hands the Gorgie outfit is craving.

McInnes won the League Cup with Aberdeen while keeping the Dons challenging towards the top of the Premiership. He also steered Kilmarnock back up from the Championship and qualified for Europe last season.

Hearts’ final game of the season is away to Kilmarnock this Sunday and it remains to be seen which dugout McInnes will be in.