Goncalves keen to stay put

Goncalves: Contract is running out

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Hearts defender Jose Goncalves has revealed that he is hoping to remain in Britain past the end of the season.

The Portugal international is set to see his contract expire at the end of the current campaign, and is yet to pen new terms.

That has led to speculation suggesting he could be on the move over the summer, with Celtic already reported to be keen.

Goncalves has previously hinted that he is planning to move on from Hearts, but now insists he would now be happy to stay at Tynecastle if the opportunity arose.

If a contract extension fails to materialise, though, the 25-year-old admits he would be open to offers from across Scotland and England.

"I have had four great years and I don't see any problem with staying," he said.

New life

"If I have to stay in Scotland or go to England or somewhere else in the UK I would be very happy.

"It's very important because I know the country very well and I know the football. So it's not a new life."

Goncalves has read about apparent interest from Celtic, but said: "I'm not thinking about that. There has been some speculation in the newspaper but it's not my position to say I want to leave.

"I'm very happy that one of the Old Firm are looking at me but I'm not thinking about leaving at the moment.

"My focus is to do my job and do the best for the team. I have had four great years at Hearts, I really like the country and the club.

"It depends on a lot of stuff, I can't tell you what, but I'll be very happy to stay at Hearts."

While admitting that he would be prepared to remain with Hearts, Goncalves has revealed that he would like to see the club delve into the transfer market in January in an effort to bolster their ranks and signal their intentions for the future.

"It would be a very big point for myself to stay here," he added.