Let's hang onto what we've got

Last updated : 15 July 2011 By TwoTonTed

Jim Jefferies is keen to hang onto the services of Lee Wallace this summer and hopes the Scotland international will extend his contract. There is always the chance of a bid coming in for the talented left-back but Jefferies hopes the club will ignore all but a top offer, even if it means him leaving for nothing. Talks are on-going with Wallace over an new deal, as his current one ends next summer, after rejecting an offer from Rangers thought to be close to the £1million mark. Jefferies believes the player's loyalty to Hearts could see him sign an extended deal. He said: "Lee is a great asset to the club. The problem is that he's in the last year of his contract. It's the same with any player at any club - it makes things a bit more difficult. If we can get him on a long-term contract, then his price will go up. The club will try to extend his contract, but if he wants to move on, clubs will be in for him. If the offer is low, we're better off keeping him as he would be worth more to us in the short time he'd be here. He has a great attitude. I've seen players that let speculation affect them and they're at your door every day asking what's happening - we've never had a problem with Lee. He's been here a long time - if he does move on he would like the club to get decent money for him."
 
One player who is looks set to sign a new contract in the very near future is Rudi Skacel, who has been training with the club despite being out of contract. Jefferies hopes the Czech international's future is sorted in the coming few days and revealed Skacel could even play his first pre-season game when Royal Antwerp visit Tynecastle on Sunday. Skacel did not travel to Germany with his team-mates last week as he is further behind in his fitness following the Achilles problem that ended his season prematurely. Jefferies said: "He's back training with us but he's not quite 100 per cent ready for matches just yet. I think we'll know by tomorrow if he can feature at the weekend. He has contract talks going on with the club and they'll hopefully be resolved tomorrow or certainly over the weekend."