Claudio Ranieri has dropped out of the running to become the new Hearts manager.
The affable Italian held talks with the Edinburgh club last week about succeeding George Burley at Tynecastle.
Ranieri is keen to get back into management after leaving Valencia last February, but after consideration he has decided not to pursue his interest in the Hearts post.
"I want to thank the club, but Hearts is not the right job for me at this moment," Ranieri told the Daily Record.
A new candidate for the job is believed to be former
Newcastle and England manager Kevin Keegan.
Reports suggest that Hearts have approached Keegan and are looking to hold talks with the ex-Manchester City chief.
Hearts are keen to make a new appointment soon and Sir Bobby Robson is still the clear favourite to land the job.
