Normally, the rumour mill would be rampant with regards to possible new recruits, those likely to depart and the players who are attracting interest from elsewhere. That’s not the case this summer for Hearts. The revenue issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, plus the legal challenge means focus is elsewhere.
Additionally, the squad at the moment is more than strong enough to win promotion from the Championship. In years gone by, especially during the early years of the Vladimir Romanov reign, the club were linked to a host of players, many of who were speculative and likely above the club’s budget.
For some, we have looked back on some of those players Hearts have been rumoured to be interested in. Click and scroll through to see how many you can remember.
1. Jaroslav Plasil
The decorated Czech midfielder was linked with a move to Tynecastle in the summer of 2006 after the World Cup in Germany. Apparently one of two 'World Cup stars' Vladimir Romanov talked about. Photo: NICOLAS TUCAT
2. Vyacheslav Hleb
The lesser known of the Hleb brothers but still managed 12 goals in 45 Belarus appearance and set up a winning goal against France. Played for MTZ-RIPO Minsk, who were one of the team Romanov owned. He was often linked with a Tynecastle switch. Photo: BERTRAND LANGLOIS
3. John Pantsil
The second of the 2006 'World Cup stars'. The Ghanaian ended up at West Ham, playing in England for six years. His family surname is actually Paintsil but there was a mistake with his birth registration. Photo: Martin Rose
4. Eidur Gudjohnsen
One of the wildest transfer rumours but the Icelandic legend saw his name linked with Hearts in the summer of 2006 when imagination really got the better of some. Photo: Shaun Botterill