New Hearts boss Jim Jefferies today re-emphasised the fact he is only interested in players who want to be at Tynecastle.

Speculation has surrounded Jose Goncalves' future at Hearts after the defender stalled on signing a new deal at Tynecastle.

After omitting the former Portugal U21 international from his teams to play St Johnstone on Saturday and St Mirren in last night's Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final, the recently-installed Gorgie chief stressed his priority is players with the club's best interests at heart.

"The club has made every effort to keep him at Tynecastle," Jim told Hearts News.

"He has been made a good offer but we have got to stick with players who are committed to Hearts. Simple as that.

"I think he has made his mind up he is leaving Hearts and I'd rather work with players who want to be at the club than those who don't want to be here."

The Hearts star said recently he would be happy to remain at Tynecastle but Jim insisted he is planning for the future without the defender given his reluctance to commit himself beyond the summer.

"Jose has said he won't be here next season," he said. "I told him I want him to stay but he seems to have made his mind up he wants to go.

"The transfer window might be closed here in Scotland but there's a chance he could still move on.

"I only want to work with players who want to play for Heart of Midlothian. That is not the case with Jose despite a very good offer having been made to him so I have to plan accordingly and I hope the fans understand that."

On Hearts.TV today, all the action and exclusive post-match reaction from the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi--final at muddy Fir Park.