Talks between Hearts and Per Mathias Hogmo have broken down, it has tonight emerged.
The Norwegian will not be the next head coach of the Jambos following a collapse in discussions this afternoon.
The highly-experienced manager looked to be the preferred candidate to replace Steven Naismith at Tynecastle.
Hearts have been looking for a new manager using Tony Bloom's Stalizard analytics algorithm.
Hogmo was one of the names at the top of the list after the club's search.
However, it has become apparent that an agreement has failed to been reached, and Hearts will now look to other candidates.
Neil Critchley is another of the names at the top of the club's extensive list.
Formerly head coach of QPR and Blackpool, Critchley is relatively inexperienced compared to Hogmo.
However, he built his reputation working as a youth coach at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp's reign.
Liam Fox remains in interim charge of first team matters at Tynecastle.
The B-team coach would well still be in charge for next weekend's Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren in Gorgie.