Scala would welcome Hearts approach

Former Parma coach Nevio Scala has expressed his interest in a move to Hearts.

The Tynecastle club sacked head coach Graham Rix yesterday, while director of football Jim Duffy also left the club.

Scala, who was interviewed in the summer before George Burley was appointed as manager, has kept in touch with the club through non-executive director Julija Goncaruk.

Edinburgh-born former Rangers boss Graeme Souness, who was sacked by Newcastle last month, has also been linked with the post.

But Scala, 58, insists he would be willing to listen if Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov contacted him.

He told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Yes, I am still interested, I am always interested but until now I haven’t received a call from Hearts. I am waiting. When somebody calls me I am ready to speak.

“When I receive a call and, if Hearts’ plans are interesting, then I will be ready to get involved with Mr Romanov and speak about planning for next season.

“That would give me the time I need to improve my command of English and learn more about the football in Scotland.

“In January, I called and spoke with Julij. Because Mr Romanov does not speak English, my contact is with her.

“It was a normal conversation, ’How are you?’ things like that, but nobody spoke about me coming to Hearts. I haven’t heard from Hearts since then.

“I would be very happy to be a manager in Scotland. It is a very interesting opportunity.

“I would even be interested in being the director of football if we could discuss it.”