Hearts have approached Daniel Stendel about their managerial vacancy but face a major stumbling block if they want the German coach to succeed Craig Levein.

Stendel is still awaiting a pay-off from former club Barnsley after being sacked last month. He left the English Championship club following a run of one win in ten games but is still under contract until the end of the season.

His severance package is still being negotiated and shows no sign of being finalised quickly, meaning he is unlikely to become a realistic option for Hearts any time soon.

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Hearts have made an enquiry about the German coach Daniel Stendel

The Edinburgh club would need to pay a substantial six-figure sum to get the 45-year-old out of his Barnsley agreement - or negotiate some form of a compromise - should they decide to follow up their initial approach through his representatives.

Stendel was a popular figure during his 16-month tenure in Yorkshire, guiding Barnsley to automatic promotion from League One in May. He was relieved of his duties six weeks ago and 24 hours later was spotted drinking with locals in a pub as fans thanked him for his efforts.

Hearts are also currently weighing up whether to approach Motherwell for permission to speak with their manager, Stephen Robinson, about the job at Tynecastle Park.

However, they do not plan to interview the former Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath. Club officials have informed the 66-year-old that they will not take his application for the role further.

Magath submitted his CV to Ann Budge last week and hoped for the chance to impress the Hearts owner in person. Hearts did not give Magath a reason for their decision, merely stating that his application would not be progressing to an interview.