FORMER French national manager Jacques Santini wants the vacant Hearts job.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss has emerged as a shock contender for the Tynecastle job.

The 56-year-old was in charge of France at Euro 2004 and has recently had a spell out of the game.

Santini left Auxerre two years ago and has been enjoying a recent sabbatical, but is now keen on a return to the management game.

His Scottish representative Alex McLaughlin confirmed his client was in the frame.

“I have put Jacques Santini’s name forward to Hearts and I am waiting to hear back from them,” he said.

“Hearts are on the lookout for a top coach with experience in the game.

“Jacques has shown throughout his career that he is a top level coach.”

Gudjon Thordarson and Vladimir Weiss are not out of the running for the job.