Jim Jefferies says Hearts not looking to sell Jose Goncalves after deal

JIM JEFFERIES stressed today that Hearts are not attempting to extend Jose Goncalves' contract simply to secure a transfer fee for him at the end of the season.

Further discussions between the Portuguese defender – out of contract in June – and Tynecastle officials will take place over the next 24 hours. Jefferies has cautioned the player not to delay his decision too long in case the offer ends up being withdrawn.

Goncalves cost Hearts' majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov 700,000 from FC Thun four years ago. He harbours ambitions of making Portugal's World Cup squad but has been told he will not play again for his club unless he signs an extension.

"If he comes into the team and does well then he's the same as any player. If we get offered decent money for him then it will be considered. That applies to everyone, not just Jose," said the manager. "It's not right to state we will just sign him and then sell him in the summer.

"It has dragged on now and it will come to an end soon. Jose and the club will have to make a decision. We've left that in Jose's hands, he hasn't been put under any pressure. He said he'd give us an answer on Friday but

he had the weekend to think about it and then we see where we are.

"Jose's got to remember discussions have been going on for a while and he could run the risk of the offer being taken off the table. I don't know for sure because we haven't got to that stage, but I've seen it happen in the past."

Christian Nade will discover his fate today or tomorrow as he faces disciplinary charges for punching team-mate Ian Black at Celtic Park last week.

"We had a word with him about the incident and we'll have a meeting. We'll talk to him in the early part of the week," said Jefferies.