Duo aim to revive Hearts takeover

Romanov has plans to expand the main stand at Tynecastle

Two Edinburgh businessmen are seeking financial help from around the globe in a bid to launch a takeover for Hearts.

Pat Munro and Fred Wood, who failed with a similar bid in 2005, want to buy out owner Vladimir Romanov.

Munro told the Sun: "We have people in Iceland and in the Middle East we are talking to at the moment - we are pushing ahead with various things.

"The fans and smaller shareholders are unhappy about Romanov's holding of the club and how he runs it."

Back in January 2005, Wood and Munro claimed the could raise £30m in three weeks to gazump Romanov's takeover at Tynecastle.

However, nothing came of their bid and Romanov has been calling the shots at the club since then.

It is also unlikely that Romanov would consider selling, despite increasing frustration among supporters concerning his handling of team affairs.

"Our goal is to take over the club and buy Romanov out," added Munro.

"Our group of investors, from Edinburgh and the Middle East, want to build a new stadium for the club with a nearby hotel, bank, casino and supermarket.

"We are quite interested to have Icelanders on board because of their interest for British football and good reputation in business."

Hearts were on the brink of selling their Tynecastle home before Romanov stepped in to buy up more than 80% of the shares in the club, while his Lithuanian bank took over debts of close to £18m.

And Romanov has many ambitious plans for Hearts, including a costly expansion programme for Tynecastle.