Romanov throws down gauntlet to Hleb over move

VLADIMIR Romanov has warned Vyacheslav Hleb that he must improve his form if he wants to earn a contract at Hearts. The Belarusian international, younger brother of Arsenal's Alexander Hleb, is set to team up with Hearts during the pre-season training camp in Germany, but a contract remains in the balance, as Romanov hinted that he could be overtaken in his race to sign for the Tynecastle club, by in-form Kaunas forward Ricardas Beniusis .

"Once the Hearts players return from their holidays they will spend about ten days just warming up, before heading off for their pre-season training camp in Germany. Hleb will join up with them there," confirmed Romanov.

However, the Hearts owner admitted that he has been left underwhelmed by Hleb's form and strike rate for MTZ Ripo.

"To be frank, [Hleb's form] is disappointing. He has only managed to score twice in the Belarusian championship, while Beniusis, who is also hoping for a move to Hearts, has scored 14 for Kaunas, and heads the league's top scorers by a distance. That's quite a tangible difference. So we'll have to see what happens.

"The final decision will be taken by the club's head coach, Anatoliy Korobochka. I will heed his opinion."

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