Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has revealed owner Vladimir Romanov quickly came round to the idea of re-signing Andy Webster despite his initial surprise.
Jefferies revealed Webster had agreed to hold talks with Hearts after securing his release from an unhappy spell with Rangers before the transfer window closed.
Jefferies said: "I mentioned his name to the owner and he sounded a little bit surprised but it didn't take him long. He looked at me and said 'if that's a possibility, we could try to make that happen'."
No deal was imminent as Webster's agent has reported interest from several clubs in England and Scotland, but Jefferies is keen to press home a move for their former skipper, who left the club in acrimonious circumstances in 2006.
Webster was frozen out by Romanov towards the end of the club's Scottish Cup-winning season after refusing to extend his contract.
He then became the first player to use FIFA's Article 17 rule that allows a player to leave a club after a specified period of time, joining Wigan before quickly moving to Rangers, initially on loan.
Hearts wanted £4.5million for Webster but the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland eventually ruled that Webster was liable for only £150,000, which was paid by Wigan, who in turn sold him to Rangers.
Jefferies discussed a move for Webster during talks with Romanov in Lithuania earlier this month amid fears over a lack of cover for centre-backs Ismael Bouzid and Marius Zaliukas. And Romanov granted him the approval to seek a loan deal for the player, who is now free to join a club on a permanent basis.
"We've had to play players out of position," said Jefferies. "Marius and Ismael are the only two recognised centre-halves.
"We identified that the last time I went over (to Lithuania) for a meeting, you are always trying to look ahead. Webster was one of the names we mentioned."
Source: PA
