Hearts in a deal with Lithuanian bank

The Premier League club announced a six-figure shirt sponsorship deal with Lithuanian bank Ukio bankas. The agreement offers the option of a multi-year extension and commences with immediate effect.

Chief executive Phil Anderton, who brokered the deal, said: "This agreement allows us to move forward and ensure that we maximise the potential of the Heart of Midlothian Football Club brand in the future through a series of official partners."

The bank is to open a representative office shortly and sees an opportunity to establish a financial services business in the city. Ukio also sees a great potential in building the business bridge between the UK and Eastern Europe, providing Eastern European contacts and business knowledge through its extensive business contacts network in such lucrative markets as the Baltic, Russia, Ukraine and other countries of that region."

Tycoon Vladimir Romanov recently completed a deal to take a 29.9% stake in the club, circumventing the need to Tynecastle and securing the financial future of the club.