Hearts line up Newcastle United’s Ian Cathro to replace Robbie Neilson

IAN CATHRO is set to be named new Hearts boss as Robbie Neilson edges closer to the exit door.

Jambos gaffer Neilson headed south for talks with MK Dons yesterday after taking training.

SunSport can reveal Cathro, part of Rafa Benitez’s coaching staff at Newcastle, has been lined up to succeed him. At just 30, Cathro would become the top flight’s youngest ever boss.

Neilson will take charge of Hearts’ clash with Rangers tonight but is then expected to be unveiled as MK Dons new boss tomorrow.

After giving Neilson permission to talk with the League One club, Hearts moved quickly to identify who they next want in the hotseat.

Compensation to take Cathro from the Magpies is not expected to be an issue.

The appointment could be confirmed this week, although it may be that a caretaker boss will take charge of Saturday’s game against Ross County.

But if all goes to plan then Cathro’s appointment seems imminent.

Cathro also looks likely to have scope to appoint a new assistant, with current No2 Stevie Crawford set to follow Neilson to stadium:mk.

Hearts director of football Craig Levein is a huge fan of Cathro, and made him head of Dundee United’s academy in 2008 when he was just 22.

During that time Cathro played a huge role in the development of Sporting Lisobon winger Ryan Gauld and current Jambos star  John Souttar.

Cathro was then an SFA Performance schools coach, having played a key role in designing the programme.

In 2014 he made a surprise switch to  Portugal to become  assistant boss at Rio Ave.

Ironically, he then snubbed a coaching post with the Jambos to move to Spanish side Valencia and link up with Nuno Espirito Santo, who he’d worked with in Portugal.

From there highly-rated Cathro was taken to St James’ Park by Steve McLaren in June 2015, and stayed on when  Benitez took over as boss last season.

Cathro has already had an influence at Hearts, with his Box Soccer system being used in their youth academy.

He caught Levein’s eye after creating the training programme to develop kids’ techniques when he was in his teens.

SunSport told yesterday how Cathro and ex-Hearts hero Gary Naysmith were the main two contenders for the post.

Cathro looks to have won the battle to replace Neilson, but Naysmith, 38, could still be on the move.

The East Fife gaffer remains a candidate for the vacant Queen of the South manager’s job.

The Palmerston side have been without a boss since Gavin Skelton’s shock decision to quit over three weeks ago.