Hearts of Oak have written to Medeama SC seeking negotiations to buy coach Tom Strand out of his contract, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusive reveal.

The Phobians have now officialized their interest in the Swedish trainer as they continue with their search for a substantive coach.

Hearts have shortlisted five coaches they intend to interview for the vacant job but the club is also employing a head-hunting search to land their main target.

Tom Strand led Medeama to win the MTN FA Cup title which qualifies the Tarkwa-based club for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Medeama Chief Executive Officer James Essilfie confirmed the receipt of Hearts’ official request but says it is unlikely to be successful.

“Yes I can confirm we have received a letter from Hearts who want to by Tom Strand out of his contract,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“The letter arrived yesterday so the club is to meet to take a decision on that but I can tell you from the onset it is unlikely that we’ll let our coach go.

“For me, it doesn’t make sense to let a coach that has done well for you and preparing to go to Africa go.”

Tom Strand joined Medeama at the start of the just ended Premier League campaign where he took over from Prince Owusu.

He has just completed one-year of the two-year contract he signed with Medeama.