Screpis' agent flies in for Hearts talks

FERNANDO SCREPIS' agent jets into Edinburgh tomorrow morning for urgent discussions with Hearts in an effort to save the Argentine's Tynecastle career.

The club have intimated a desire to renegotiate the terms of Screpis' contract, which runs until 2011, leaving the player concerned that his agreement could be terminated in a similar fashion to Mauricio Pinilla's departure earlier this week.

Buenos Aires-based Juan Cobian arrives in the Capital tomorrow and will meet with Anatoli Korobochka and other senior officials on Screpis' behalf, hoping to preserve his client's Hearts career.

Vladimir Romanov, the club's majority shareholder, recently attempted to alter the conditions of Pinilla's three-year deal by reducing his weekly wage. This resulted in the Chilean severing ties with the club and Screpis is fearful of suffering similar treatment to his fellow South American.

The 29-year-old earns a modest 1500 a week in comparison to Pinilla's 12,000 weekly wage and Cobian stressed to the Evening News that his client is keen to remain in Edinburgh next season.

"Fernando wants to stay, he's got three years left on his contract and he is happy at Hearts," said Cobian. "They want to negotiate the terms of his contract and that's why I'm coming over. Fernando played some games near the end of last season and did well so we will see how the discussions go."

Screpis made five appearances for Hearts during the second half of last season and impressed with his vision and passing ability in central midfield. Clubs in Italy's second division are monitoring his situation but the player, who qualifies to play in the UK through his Italian passport, would prefer to continue his career in Scotland after arriving from FBK Kaunas in January.

One player whose departure has already been finalised is defender Jose Goncalves. The Portuguese has agreed a season-long loan with German second division side Nuremberg which could lead to a permanent transfer next summer, for Nuremberg have first option to purchase Goncalves outright for a pre-arranged fee.

"He brings everything along. He is a giant talent and a thoroughbred athlete with big ambitions," explained Thomas von Heesen, the Nuremberg manager.

Meanwhile, Hearts transfer target Mark Kerr will join Aberdeen next week on a two-year contract.