German coach Daniel Stendel has held talks with Hearts

Hearts have held talks with Daniel Stendel and are prepared to offer the German coach an attractive package in the hope of luring him to Edinburgh.

Tynecastle officials spoke with Stendel over the weekend following an initial approach last week, which was first revealed by the Evening News. They are seeking a new manager after sacking Craig Levein almost four weeks ago and made a strong pitch to the 45-year-old during detailed discussions.

Stendel was sacked as Barnsley manager last month and the English Championship club have since agreed to cancel the remainder of his contract, which ran until the end of the season.

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Talks over a severance payment are ongoing but he is effectively free to join a new club. Hearts are confident they would not need to pay compensation were they to appoint him.

The former Hannover coach has considered a short break away from football but could be tempted to make a quick return if he finds the right club. He remains based in the north of England and is keen to work south of the Border, although he has not ruled out possibly moving to the Scottish Premiership.

Hearts are restructuring their football department and have outlined their plans to Stendel. Those include a new sporting director working alongside the manager, with the experienced Donald Park expected to be involved in a coaching role going forward.

The Edinburgh club interviewed Stuart McCall, Steve Cotterill, Alan Irvine and Neil McCann for the manager's job before talks with the German. He is currently mulling over his options whilst severance negotiations with Barnsley continue.