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Jose Goncalves is given Hearts contract ultimatum

09th February 2010

Jim Jefferies says he has told Jose Goncalves he will not play for Hearts again unless he accepts an "unbelievable offer" of a new contract. The defender's deal ends in the summer and he has told Jefferies that his future lies away from Tynecastle.

"I have tried to talk to Jose on a number of occasions and the club have made him an unbelievable offer," Hearts manager Jefferies told BBC Scotland.

"Even his agent cannot believe that the player has decided not to sign. "

Jefferies, who succeeded Csaba Laszlo as manager this month, had previously indicated that he had left the 24-year-old out of his squads for the last two matches because of the contract situation.

Jefferies upset over Goncalves deal

"What am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to play a player who has told me that he does not want to play for the club long-term, or should I play someone who is more committed to the club?" he said.

"If Jose walked into my office today and said 'I will sign the contract', he would be in the side tomorrow. "

Jefferies also said that the situation with Goncalves is different to that of other players who are out of contract in the summer, notably Michael Stewart and Laryea Kingston.

"I have made my mind up on Jose," he said. "I want him to stay with Hearts.

"I have still to decide on other players - if I want them to stay or not. "

Shortly before the sacking of Laszlo, Goncalves had said there was still a possibility he could remain with the club but hinted that it could dependent on the Hungarian remaining in charge.

Goncalves was hoping to push for a place in his country's squad for the World Cup finals this summer and his options are now limited with the closure of the January transfer window in most parts of the world.

However, Jefferies indicated last week that there were still countries to where the defender could move and continue his career before the end of the season.

Source: BBC