Hearts look set to name Derek McInnes as their new manager in the coming days after the clubs agreed a compensation package.

Formal talks between the Premiership rivals have been successfully concluded, with the Jambos landing a successor to Neil Critchley, who was sacked last month after failing to make the top six.

Former Aberdeen boss McInnes has two years to run on his Rugby Park contract but Hearts have met a six-figure release clause which will see the 53-year-old take the reins at Tynecastle.

Earlier this season, McInnes was touted as a replacement for the sacked Steven Naismith with Hearts opting for Critchley, who is understood to have been the cheaper option with no compensation required.

The Edinburgh club didn’t want to make the same mistake again, with many observers believing McInnes is the safe pair of hands the Gorgie outfit is craving.

McInnes won the League Cup with Aberdeen while keeping the Dons challenging towards the top of the Premiership. He also steered Kilmarnock back up from the Championship and qualified for Europe last season.

“I think sometimes these things come along in life and I’ve always been open with the club,” said McInnes.  

“I was informed yesterday that the clubs had reached agreement and talks are ongoing with that. But I’ve also reiterated to the club today that I intend to be here for the last two games and I need to make sure that that message is loud and clear to my players, to everybody: we deal with what’s in front of us now  – and we can pick up on the week after.” 

Liam Fox has been in charge of Hearts since Critchley’s sacking, steering them clear of a relegation dog fight, and will remain at the helm for the final two games of the season, including Sunday’s clash with McInnes’ current employers.