Accra Hearts of Oak is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Dutch trainer Martin Koopman to become the new head coach of the club, according to local media reports.

The search for a new head coach began after the departure of Slavko Matic from the Ghana Premier League team. Matic, a Serbian coach who took over midseason to replace Samuel Boadu, left the club due to a string of poor results.

Following Matic's exit, former assistant coach David Ocloo served as the interim manager. Despite guiding the club to a 12th-place finish last season, Ocloo and the club mutually decided to part ways.

Several candidates were linked to the vacant coaching position, including Nigerian coach Paul Aigbogun and Tunisian coach Khalil Abid. However, Martin Koopman has emerged as the frontrunner for the role.

It is believed that the club's technical director, Rene Hiddink, recommended Koopman to the club's leadership.

Koopman, 67, has a notable background as a former Netherlands defender, having played for Go Ahead Eagles, FC Twente, and Cambuur during his playing career.

Koopman is expected to arrive in Ghana on Tuesday, August 15, with the intention of finalizing a deal to lead the team in the upcoming domestic campaign, which kicks off in September.

His coaching career includes serving as a youth team and assistant coach at his former club Go Ahead Eagles and Cambuur.

He has also held positions at FC Groningen, FC Den Bosch, Veendam, AS Vita Club, Saudi Arabia, Shenyang Ginde, Roda JC, Al Nassr, RKC Waalwijk, Aruba, and most recently Maldives, primarily as an assistant coach.

As Accra Hearts of Oak prepares for the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season, they are set to begin with an away game against Real Tamale United at the Aliu Mahama Stadium.