Robbie Neilson set for incredible return to Hearts as relegated side ready to let Daniel Stendel go

Hearts have launched a stunning move to secure the return of Robbie Neilson as manager.

The relegated Tynecastle club are set to confirm the departure of German Daniel Stendel.

And Dundee United boss Neilson is the top target for a return to the club he left to manage MK Dons in December 2016. 

Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson is poised to complete a stunning return to Hearts 

The relegated Tynecastle club are set to confirm the departure of German Daniel Stendel

Neilson left Hearts sitting in second position in the Scottish Premiership, an ill-fated spell in English football resulting in his return to the SPFL with Dundee United.

The loss of the 39-year-old would come as a savage blow to United after they went to war with the Jambos over their promotion to the top tier. 

The Tayside club will fight tooth and nail to retain their manager after Hearts launched a £10million joint court battle with Partick Thistle to quash their elevation. 

Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers could also see their promotion hopes crushed by the Hearts move and, in a joint statement on Friday, the three clubs warned of a potentially ‘ruinous’ and ‘catastrophic’ impact if the action succeeds. 

Stendel failed to perform a relegation great escape after the SPL season was curtailed

Dundee United boss Neilson is the top target after he left the club to manage MK Dons in 2016

Despite Hearts currently starting next season in the Championship, however, 39-year-old Neilson feels he has unfinished business at the Gorgie club.

Neilson signed a two year extension to his Tannadice contract last October, tying him down until 2022. 

And, despite the possibility of a £5million financial black hole if an action in the Court of Session proves unsuccessful, Hearts face a compensation bill to re-hire their former manager.

Inverness boss John Robertson, former captain Steven Pressley and ex St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright have all been linked with the Tynecastle vacancy after Sportsmail revealed a break clause in Stendel’s contract if Hearts went down. 

The German failed to perform a relegation great escape and will not cut his ties after less than seven months in charge.

The manager guided United back to the top-flight but the club are preparing for an approach