Marius Zaliukas set for talks over his future with Hearts

HEARTS manager Jim Jefferies is set to hold talks with defender Marius Zaliukas to determine whether he has a long-term future at Tynecastle.

The Lithuanian's current loan deal from Kaunas is set to expire in December but Jefferies is keen on retaining his services beyond the turn of the year.

"There will be talks very soon to see about his situation," Jefferies told Hearts.TV. "If we can sort something out then great as he is a very good player."

Zaliukas wore the captain's armband at the end of last season but, with a question mark still hanging over his future at the Edinburgh club, Jefferies has yet to decide whether he will continue as skipper next season.

The Hearts manager revealed that Eggert Jonsson and Lee Wallace are also strong candidates for the captaincy but has not ruled out Zaliukas either.

"I made Marius captain when I came here so he is obviously a top candidate," Jefferies added. "But I won't be deciding on a captain until the pre-season games get under way.

"There is also Eggert and Lee Wallace, for example, so we'll see how things go.."

Bristol City's Paul Hartley has declared an interest in returning to Hearts but Jefferies refused to be drawn on any further summer signings at this stage.

Speaking from their pre-season training camp in Tuscany, he said: "I'll see how things develop. I know about Paul Hartley's situation and if we do manage to bring anyone in, they have to be the right type."