Romanov set to spend for Meyong

The Belenenses marksman, who was the top scorer in the Portuguese Premier League last season with 17 goals despite his side's relegation, is believed to be close to becoming a Hearts player.

Vladimir Romanov, the Tynecastle club's major shareholder, spent £800,000 in January for Bosnian winger Mirsad Beslija, who has failed to make an impact in the first team since signing from Racing Genk.

However, it is understood the Lithuanian is now willing to spend even more money to bring in Meyong - a team-mate of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o at national level - as Hearts prepare for their first ever foray in the Champions League qualifiers.

Ironically, Meyong saw a move to Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow fall through in February - which could have been a factor in then Hibs striker Garry O'Connor's move to the Russian capital.

"Everything is in the hands of my agent and the president of Belenenses, who will deal with this," said Meyong yesterday. "I don't know if I am still going to stay here yet as it can't be forgotten that I still have a year left on my contract."

Meanwhile, Hearts defender José Gonçalves' agent has dismissed rumours the player is set to move to England this summer.

Sam Stapleton met up with his client in London earlier this week but he insists the highly-rated left-back, who missed the end of the season with a hamstring tear, is content at Hearts.

"Clubs have enquired about his situation but, for now, José is best staying at Hearts," said Stapleton. "There is no desire to go, unless Hearts accept a bid from a Premiership club."

Hearts appear set to spend a club record £1.3m for Cameroon striker Albert Meyong, according to reports from Portugal.

The Belenenses marksman, who was the top scorer in the Portuguese Premier League last season with 17 goals despite his side's relegation, is believed to be close to becoming a Hearts player.

Vladimir Romanov, the Tynecastle club's major shareholder, spent £800,000 in January for Bosnian winger Mirsad Beslija, who has failed to make an impact in the first team since signing from Racing Genk.

However, it is understood the Lithuanian is now willing to spend even more money to bring in Meyong - a team-mate of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o at national level - as Hearts prepare for their first ever foray in the Champions League qualifiers.

Ironically, Meyong saw a move to Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow fall through in February - which could have been a factor in then Hibs striker Garry O'Connor's move to the Russian capital.

"Everything is in the hands of my agent and the president of Belenenses, who will deal with this," said Meyong yesterday. "I don't know if I am still going to stay here yet as it can't be forgotten that I still have a year left on my contract."

Meanwhile, Hearts defender José Gonçalves' agent has dismissed rumours the player is set to move to England this summer.

Sam Stapleton met up with his client in London earlier this week but he insists the highly-rated left-back, who missed the end of the season with a hamstring tear, is content at Hearts.

"Clubs have enquired about his situation but, for now, José is best staying at Hearts," said Stapleton. "There is no desire to go, unless Hearts accept a bid from a Premiership club."

Taken from the Herald