During the international break, Hearts, a struggling team in the Scottish Premiership, are reportedly thinking about making a bid for young Swedish manager Kalle Karlsson.
The head coach of Vasteras SK is apparently one of the front-runners to take over at Tynecastle after negotiations with the previous manager of Norway, Per-Mathias Høgmo, broke down on Friday.
After Steven Naismith leaves, Tynecastle officials want a seasoned leader who can swiftly fit in with Scottish football culture.
Karlsson is well-liked by Hearts officials and former Blackpool manager Neil Critchley, according to Sun Sport.
Karlsson began his coaching career in 2014 when he was appointed assistant coach of Karlsbergs FC, a fourth-tier Swedish football team located in Stockholm. After being elevated to manager in January 2015, he served in that capacity for two years prior to joining Vasalunds. Although he only managed to play in 18 games, he served as assistant manager during the season that saw the team relegated from the third division.
Before taking a position as assistant manager at Vasteras, a second-tier team, the Swedish manager spent two more seasons at Karlsbergs. Before taking over as first team coach during a period when the squad was having form issues, he collaborated closely with Thomas Askebrand for several months.
Karlsson has received recognition for helping the team turn things around. In 2023, he notably led the team to promotion to the first flight for the first time in 26 years.
But ever since earning a promotion, Vasteras has struggled to compete in the elite league. They have only won five games out of 26 and have only accrued 19 points; with four games remaining, they are five points outside of safety.
Ex-Aberdeen star plays for Ayr United with Scott Brown
Former Aberdeen winger Connor McLennan has signed with promotion-chasing Ayr United of the Scottish Championship on a deal that will expire at the end of the current campaign.
The 25-year-old winger, who made 86 appearances for Aberdeen in the Premier League, was a free agent after leaving Salford City of English League Two at the end of the previous campaign.
With nine Scottish Championship games played, Ayr United, led by Scott Brown, has 18 points and is presently ranked second in the standings. The former Celtic midfielder, who reportedly rejected an approach from St Johnstone, is eager to advance.
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