 Marius Zaliukas is looking for something like a £1 million a year to play for Hearts. This sort of demand is the something that would make Vladimir Romanov's eyes water and could well end the club's interest in signing their newly appointed captain. The loan deal from FBK Kaunas is due to expire in December and Jim Jefferies explained the sides are "miles apart" in their talks regarding Zaliukas career at Tynecastle. If a deal cannot be struck, Lee Wallace will be promoted from vice-captain. Jefferies said: "Marius went back to Lithuania to negotiate terms but I believe they're miles apart. He's after quite a considerable amount which is way beyond our means. I'll get a chance to speak to Sergey (Fedotovas, director) over the next couple of days, Marius is busy with the Lithuanian squad preparing for tomorrow's game."Jefferies had talks with Zaliukas before the manager announced his decision on who would lead the Jambos on the pitch. He was reassured by the player's statement that he was happy at Tynecastle. Jefferies went on: "He said he was happy here. He said if he could get the deal he was looking for, he'd be happy to stay. But there's a big difference between what he's looking for and what teams can afford, that seems to be what's holding it up. He might feel that he's out of contract and this is a chance for him to exercise his right to move on. He's maybe thinking he's at a stage in his career where he might attract a huge offer, so to keep him here it would take a huge offer, money that is way out of our hands. Sometimes players don't want to stay and they can maybe ask for quite a lot more knowing they've got no chance of getting it. I'm a bit in limbo with it at the moment. The negotiations are still ongoing and I haven't been told of any final decision on either side." Jefferies will promote Wallace to succeed Zaliukas if the contract dispute falters and Eggert Jonsson would assume the vice-captain's role. Jefferies said: "I appointed Lee Wallace vice-captain so if something happens with Marius and he has to move on, then Lee will step in. It would then be a case of Eggert Jonsson stepping up to replace Lee as vice-captain. But we can't jump too far ahead until we know what's happening with Marius." |