The latest headlines from the capital as Hearts continue to look for a Steven Naismith successor.

Hearts, struggling in the Scottish Premiership, are reportedly contemplating hiring Swedish manager Kalle Karlsson during the international break.

After discussions with former Norway manager Per-Mathias Høgmo fell through on Friday, the head coach of Vasteras SK has emerged as a top contender to fill the post at Tynecastle.

Tynecastle administrators seek an experienced leader who can swiftly adjust to the Scottish football culture following Steven Naismith’s departure.

According to Sun Sport, Karlsson and former Blackpool manager Neil Critchley are both highly regarded by Hearts’ management.

Karlsson began coaching in 2014, when he was appointed assistant coach of Stockholm-based Karlsbergs FC in Swedish football’s fourth division. He was promoted to manager in January 2015 and maintained the position for two years until joining Vasalunds, where he lasted only 18 games but served as assistant manager throughout the club’s relegation from the third tier.

The Swedish manager returned to Karlsbergs for two more seasons before taking over as assistant manager at Vasteras in the second division. He worked closely with Thomas Askebrand for several months before taking over as first-team coach after a period of poor form for the club.

Karlsson has been commended for turning the team’s fortunes around, and in 2023, he led the club to top-flight promotion for the first time in 26 years.

However, since earning promotion, Vasteras has found it tough to compete in the top division. After 26 games, they have only five victories and 19 points, putting them five points from safety with four games remaining.

Former Aberdeen ace joins Scott Brown at Ayr United.

Ayr United, the Scottish Championship promotion candidates, have signed former Aberdeen winger Connor McLennan on a deal that runs until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old winger, who played 86 times for Aberdeen in the Premier League, was a free agent after leaving English League Two club Salford City at the end of last season.

Scott Brown’s Ayr United are now second in the Scottish Championship, having collected 18 points from their first nine games. The former Celtic midfielder is eager to earn promotion after allegedly rejecting an offer from St Johnstone.

McLennan stated on X, “I’m excited to be here! Cannot wait to get started.”

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