Former Sheffield Wednesday boss reportedly interviewed by Scottish giants Hearts

The 61-year-old, who’s last permanent managerial role came at West Brom in 2014, led the Owls for just over a year from January 2010 until February 2011, and was at the club when Milan Mandaric took ownership.

He was sacked with the club languishing in the midtable of League One.

Irvine was reportedly interviewed by the Edinburgh club over the weekend, though it is not clear whether this is for the role of manager or sporting director, with owner Ann Budge keen to recruit for both roles.

It is claimed that Scotland international and Hearts legend Steven Naismith recommended him for the role. They have interviewed four other candidates for the role thus far; including former Bradford City boss Stuart McCall, Steve Cotterill and Neil McCann.

Since leaving Wednesday Irvine has also been employed at Everton, where he took on the role of Academy manager and was assistant manager to Alex Neil at Norwich City and David Moyes at West Ham United. He was also Norwich City caretaker boss following Neil’s departure.

Former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock – who left Cardiff City last week – has been installed as the bookies’ favourite since the sacking of Craig Levein.

Hearts sit ninth in the Scottish Premiership but won their last outing – a 5-2 rout of bottom side St Mirren.

City rivals Hibernian have employed Jack Ross, who was also reportedly interviewed for the Hearts job. He replaces former Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom.