Hearts starlet Goncalves staying put says agent

Having been chased by several English sides, Goncalves, who was once linked with Manchester United, moved to Hearts in the Scottish Premier League in January. However, the left-back has never hidden his desire to move on to bigger and better things and recently admitted that Hearts were a stepping-stone in his career.

Goncalves was spotted in London this week, prompting press reports to suggest that Fulham were lining up a move for the 21-year-old, to link up with countryman Luis Boa Morte, but Sam Stapleton has insisted that Goncalves is focused on his current club.

The Lisbon-born defender has changed clubs several times in his young career, including a brief spell in Italy with Venezia and a Champions League run with Thun in Switzerland.

But Stapleton suggests that Goncalves is happy to stay put for the time being while he recovers from an injury that kept him out of Hearts successful push for Champions League qualification.

“It took Jose time to get into the team but, once in, he did very well,” Stapleton told Sky Sports News.

“Clubs have enquired about his situation but, at the moment, Jose is best staying at Hearts and getting games under his belt.”

“He’s going to be back playing European football again and he is happy at the club so, at the moment, there is no desire to go anywhere - unless, of course, Hearts accept a bid from a Premiership club.”

“As regards Jose being in London yesterday, this is true. He came to have lunch with me and do a bit of shopping. That was it!”

“Besides, he wouldn’t pass a medical anywhere at the moment as he is still recovering from injury.”