Can Vladimir Romanov keep out of the decision regarding Hearts signing? Only time will tell

Vyacheslav Hleb
Now here is something that you may not believe. Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov says he is going to leave the final decision on whether Belarussian forward Vyacheslav Hleb joins Hearts or not to interim head coach Anatoli Korobochka. Hleb currently plays for another of Romanov's clubs, MTZ Ripo of Minsk, and is due to link up with Hearts this weekend when pre-season training starts and he will be assessed during a series of friendlies next month. Romanov is content to leave the veteran Korobochka to decide if Hleb stays in Scotland after his initial trial period or be sent back to Minsk. Romanov said: "The final decision will sit with head trainer Korobochka. He will look at Slava during a preparation period, evaluate his condition and decide if Hearts need Hleb. I will listen to the advice of this specialist. Hleb flies to Edinburgh on 23rd June. He will join his new team mates on their pre-season tour of Germany."

Hleb is now able to qualify for a UK work permit having appeared in 75 per cent of Belarus' competitive games during the last two years. His agent stated earlier this month that a deal with Hearts was imminent. However, Hleb's compatriot Oleg Strahanovich is unable to meet regulations that would allow him to work in the UK. Romanov is an admirer of the midfielder and is keen to transfer him to Hearts along with Hleb. Strahanovich currently plays for Romanov's Lithuanian club, FBK Kaunas but is short of the international outings which would qualify him for a work permit. Romanov said: "Talk about Oleg Strakhanovich's possible transfer to Hearts is, for the time being, premature. He doesn't have a sufficient percentage (of national team games) for a work permit."
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