Hearts are poised to confirm Wouter Vrancken as Derek McInnes' successor at Tynecastle. The 47‑year‑old arrives from Sint‑Truiden after guiding Racing Genk to a second‑place finish in the Belgian Pro League and lifting the Belgian Cup 2019 with Mechelen. He follows McInnes, who exited after top scorer Lawrence Shankland joined Rangers.

Vrancken inherits a squad that fell agonisingly short of the title, losing the Premiership to Celtic by a single point. He must also steer Hearts through Champions League qualifying, beginning with Sturm Graz in the second round – first leg in Austria on July 22, return at Gorgie a week later. The winner advances to the third round against a potential Serbian side.

The Jambo’s transfer window has already delivered six newcomers, including Calvin Miller, Josh McPake and a permanent deal for loan‑star Stuart Findlay. Supporters expect a more progressive style after a season of narrow defeats. With pre‑season training set to resume this week, the club hopes Vrancken can translate his 300‑match pedigree into a title charge and a deeper European run.