Former Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld claims he was offered the Hearts job – but turned it down because he was not interested in the post.

The 56-year-old German said Hearts wanted him to replace George Burley who was sacked last month despite guiding the club to the top of the Scottish Premier League.

“I have had an offer from Heart of Midlothian but I told them I was not interested in the job,” Hitzfeld said.

Burley quit the post last month, reportedly after falling out with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

Former Aston Villa manager John Gregory claims he has also been approached about the job.

“All I know is they asked for a CV and I’m sure they have done that with a number of people,” said Gregory. “But I have had no contact with Hearts so far.”

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