It's good to talk

Last updated : 16 July 2010 By TwoTonTed

Jim Jeffries 5Jim Jefferies wants to talks to defender Marius Zaliukas to determine whether he has a long-term future at Tynecastle. The Lithuanian's current loan deal from Kaunas is due to end in December but Jefferies wants to hang onto him beyond the turn of the year. 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 in that role next season. Jefferies is also considering if  Eggert Jonsson and Lee Wallace could be the men to wear the armband but has not ruled out Zaliukas altogether

Jefferies said: "
There will be talks very soon to see about his situation. If we can sort something out then great as he is a very good player. I made Marius captain when I came here so he is obviously a top candidate. But I won't be deciding on a captain until the pre-season games get under way when I can get a look at everybody. There is also Eggert and Lee Wallace, for example, so we'll see how things go. Whoever is captain has to have the right attitude, be a leader of men and 100 per cent behind everything."

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 the pre-season training camp in Tuscany, he said: "
I'm waiting on news back on a few things and we still have to the end of August. 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."