Vladimir Romanov, the Tynecastle club's majority shareholder, will put together a package to entice the former Hibernian player away from Parkhead.

Romanov is believed to have made an inquiry about the 24-year-old when he left Easter Road for Parkhead 18 months ago but will not let that disappointment prevent him from coming in again to end Riordan's agony in the east end of Glasgow where he has failed to pin down a regular first team spot.

Riordan recently admitted that he could be looking for a move after making just two starts this season under Gordon Strachan.

He said: "I would rather go away and just concentrate on another club now.

"I don't want to go out on loan because then I'd come back and not play again.

"I would rather get my head down somewhere else and get my career going again."

The former hero of the Hibs supporters would need to be convinced that joining the Tynecastle club would be a wise move but that scenario is more likely than it was before he moved to Celtic.

Riordan refused point blank to contemplate a move to Hearts when Romanov made his first inquiry but PA Sport understands that the transfer could now happen.

Hibs are not interested in bringing the former Young Player of the Year back to Easter Road - and their wage structure would prohibit that scenario anyway - and only Hearts and Rangers in Scotland could realistically afford his wages.

His only Scotland cap was won as a substitute away to Austria two seasons ago in a friendly and regular first team football would also help resurrect his international career.

Before moving to Parkhead Riordan knocked back the chance to move to Nurnberg but PA Sport can also reveal that the German club's interest remains as strong as ever and they are also set to make a move in January.

It is believed that several other clubs from south of the border are also keen in the player whose Celtic career appears to be coming to an end.