Jefferies set to Lee-ve phone off the hook as interest grows in Hearts defender

JIM JEFFERIES has stressed the importance of keeping Lee Wallace at Hearts after the current transfer window, joking that he won't be answering phone calls before Tuesday night in case clubs try to make late bids for the Scotland defender.

Wallace, 23, is contracted to Tynecastle until June 2012 but has attracted attention from England, where Birmingham City, Middlesbrough and Sunderland have all been credited with an interest. His form has been impeccable for Hearts in recent seasons and he was appointed vice-captain of the club last month.

Jefferies is not surprised by the list of suitors but insists he has no wish to sell. He said: "Like a lot of managers, you are waiting for the call. Lee is one of our top players and our vice-captain. We'll hope the phone doesn't go with somebody making us an offer we can't turn down, so I won't be answering the phone too readily.

"Lee is outstanding every week for us. He can drive us forward from the left-back position and this could be a big season for him with Hearts and Scotland. I just keep my fingers crossed nobody comes in but it's always possible." Hearts will take a late decision on the fitness of striker Calum Elliot for tomorrow's SPL clash with Dundee United. A slight tweak of a knee ligament kept him out of Tuesday's Co-operative Cup win over Elgin and, although he is still doubtful, coaching staff are prepared to wait until tomorrow morning before making a decision.

Stephen Elliott, meanwhile, is unlikely to feature against United due to his hamstring problem and is expected to recuperate during the forthcoming international break.