Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri has admitted he is interested in the managerial vacancy at Hearts.
“I think that could be a good project,” Ranieri told BBC Sport. “The first meeting is important and it was good.
“I think Vladimir Romanov wants to do something very important and I’m looking for a good project.”
Hearts are looking for a replacement for George Burley, who left last week following a disagreement with the club’s majority shareholder Romanov.
Former Newcasstle manager Sir Bobby Robson is another applicant for the post.
A club spokesman said: “We can confirm talks with various applicants, including both Ranieri and Robson.
“That is in line with the type of pedigree that we are looking for and we are encouraged by the talks so far.”
Ranieri managed Chelsea from 2000 to 2004, taking them to second in the English Premiership, until he was replaced with Jose Mourhino. He has also managed at Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid and his second spell at Valencia ended in February after just eight months.
