VLADIMIR ROMANOV last night slapped Andy Webster on the transfer list and told him he can't be trusted to play again for Hearts.

The Tynecastle owner has accused agent Charlie Duddy of double-dealing and undermining the club by trying to secure the Scotland defender a move to Rangers.

Romanov declared that unacceptable, not least while the Jambos are chasing Champions League football next season with the Ibrox club.

He insists Duddy should have told him of his plans to move his client before the January transfer window and dropped the biggest hint yet that Webster has kicked his last ball for the club.

The 24-year-old was left out of the squad to play Hibs at the weekend and has already told Romanov he has no plans to sign an extension to his contract, which expires next summer.

Romanov said: "The coach is not sure Webster can give his 100 per cent best to win more points for us.

"There have been statements in the media that Webster is looking for another club. I heard the name of Rangers among those he is supposedly looking at.

"I was told Webster's agent has made several statements to this effect. It means we can't be totally sure we can rely on the player.

"This situation is entirely the result of his agent's games which do not help the club or the player.

The club should not work any more with agents like this because they start winding up the players.

"For the club, it means our only option is to put him on the transfer list.

"I'm sad all this has emerged so late in the season. If that was the agent's intention, why wasn't this made clear before the January transfer window and we could then have a fair and open discussion?

"No one would have stood in Webster's way if that was his choice. Instead, it feels like an unfair game with the club and Iam saddened by this.

"What I want at Hearts - just like our great fans - are players who are giving everything to the club, not those who are looking over their shoulders at Rangers, at a time when we are battling for the Champions League."

Romanov revealed countryman Edgaras Jankauskas was not dropped at Easter Road but was injured.

He also insists he will not stand in the way of players who want to leave Tynecastle, but not unless the time is right and they have given good service at Hearts.

Romanov added: "My dream is to create a team where every player would attract the attention of the best clubs in the world.

"What I want is not to stop the players going but to create the conditions for them to grow professionally and then to move on if they have this ambition.

"Our aim is to build a system where the player leaves the club at the right time for the club -and the player.

"It is a joy and pride to see my players progress to the super clubs. To reach this, both club and players should have fair relations and share one goal."

Duddy was unavailable for comment last night.

Taken from the Daily Record