Dunfermline Athletic have made their move for Michael Tidser.
The Pars have made an approach to Kelty Hearts to open talks with their manager. The East End Park club has been given permission to speak to Tidser.
They still have to agree terms with Tidser and compensation with their Fife rivals. Dunfermline chief executive David Cook is set to open negotiations.
The Fifers are keen to land the 34-year-old to replace James McPake, who was sacked earlier this week. Tidser has impressed since he took over the Kelty manager position last year.
Dunfermline is also in the process of being bought over. An American consortium, that includes former poker player James Boyd, is in talks to buy the Championship side.
They hope to conclude a deal early in the new year.