McLaren out of the race for Hearts job

STEVE McCLAREN has dropped out of the race to become the next Hearts manager as the former England boss nears a money-spinning move to Israel.

The 56-year-old was last night on the verge of joining Maccabi Tel Aviv – bankrolled by Canadian billionaire Mitchell Goldhar – in a consultancy position and will work alongside the club’s Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff.

McClaren coached Cruyff during the 1999/00 campaign at Manchester United and the pair held talks over the weekend to thrash out a deal.

As the former FC Twente and Wolfsburg boss prepares to embark on another European adventure, it blows the battle for the Tynecastle hot-seat wide open, given McClaren was the previous favourite after applying for the vacancy.

Ex-Hearts stars Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley are understood to have been interviewed for the post to succeed Ian Cathro.

However, Dougie Freedman, who has made no secret of his desire for the job, has been installed as the front-runner.

Freedman, who has enjoyed stints in charge of Nottingham Forest, Bolton and Crystal Palace, said: “Whatever the manager profile is Hearts are looking for, I’d like the opportunity to sit down and speak to them.

“I have a good pedigree having managed big clubs in England and I’ve worked with some top players.”

The likes of former Bolton boss Owen Coyle, Aidy Boothroyd and Peter Houston have also been linked with the position, which is currently held by interim head coach Jon Daly, who guided the Jambos to a much-needed 1-0 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday.

And ex-Ranger Daly, who is also in the frame for the job, will remain in charge for this weekend’s mouth-watering trip to face his former club at Ibrox.

A new boss could, however, be in place before Hearts’ encounter against Motherwell.