Hearts cash fears set to curb player contract extensions

CRAIG Levein, the Hearts head coach, has warned his six out-of-contract players that the club may not be able to afford to keep all of them.

Midfielders Thomas Flogel, Robert Tomaschek, Tommi Gronlund and Steve Fulton, and striker Stephane Adam, will all see their contracts at Tynecastle expire in the summer.

In addition, Ricardo Fuller’s extended loan at the club will finish at the end of the season.

Levein will begin negotiations with all six but has admitted to doubts about being able to offer further contracts.

"I have said before that the money we get from any TV sponsorship deal is key to things," said Levein. "My budget will be solely dictated by the money brought in. There are five or six guys out of contract in the summer. I have spoken to a few of the players and told them I want them to stay.

"Whether that happens or not I don’t know. I have told them that just because they want to stay here and I want them to stay, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen.

"Once I know what my budget is I’ll then have some tough decisions to make."

But Levein has warned the players not to be unrealistic in negotiations with the club.

"Contract talks midway through the season are now part and parcel of the game here and the situation is something that will unfold in the fullness of time," said Levein.

"The players have to be realistic. There will be no bluffing in the negotiations. It is a difficult period for the players and the club in as much as we don’t yet know exactly how much money there is to spend. They are all prepared to wait, but once I have those numbers it will mean difficult decisions being made. I would like to keep everybody but it is likely financially that I won’t be able to do that.

"It is a case just now of waiting and seeing what develops."

Adam is almost certain to be one of the players to leave. The French striker has been bedevilled by injury since signing a new contract three years ago and is one of the highest earners at the club. He has also hinted at retiring when his deal expires.

Taken from the Scotsman