Hearts are reportedly lining up Jose Couceiro as their new manager.

The Scottish Cup winners are seeking a new head coach following the departure of Paulo Sergio, and view his compatriot as the ideal candidate.

Couceiro, who worked alongside Sergio at Sporting Lisbon, managed Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow last season and is now a free agent.

Sergio parted company with the Edinburgh club this evening after failing to agree an new contract.

According to The Daily Record, Hearts were planning a potential approach for Couceiro ahead of this evening's talks with Sergio as a fail-safe.

The Tynecastle club have yet to confirm their interest in the Portuguese coach.