Hartley In The Frame?

Speculation grew today that Glenn Hoddle is considering a bid for Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley.

Hearts' chairman Roman Romanov has always maintained that Hartley will not be sold, and is an integral part of Hearts on field development.

But Glenn Hoddles presence at East End Park for Hearts 4-1 win over Dunfermline has increased speculation that Hoddle has more than a passing interest.

Hearts Manager Graham Rix was quick to pour water on the suggestion though.

'Glenn Hoddle is a good friend of mine and just wanted to see how I'm getting on,' Rix insisted.

With Wolves two million pounds still burning a hole in Hoddle's pocket, his every move is bound to generate column inches.

It's public knowledge that Hoddle is scouring europe for a new striker, which at first glance may rule Hartley out. But he is as comfortable in attack, and on the wing as he is in his favoured central midfield berth where he has scored 7 goals in 20 appearences this season so far.

With Tomasz Frankowski now seemingly off the shopping list Glenn Hoddle could certainly afford to match Southampton's reported £800,000 bid.

Whether it happens or not is another thing