Source: Team_Talk
Jambos boss out to bolster midfield
Hearts boss Jim Jefferies admits signing a midfielder is now as much of a priority as bringing in a striker at Tynecastle.[LNB] Jambos boss Jefferies this week confirmed Stewart, Kingston, defender Jose Goncalves and forward Christian Nade will not be at Tynecastle next season.[LNB]All four are out of contract and are among the biggest earners at the club, who are determined to slash their wage bill.[LNB]"Michael Stewart has moved on and it looks like Larry has moved on as well so that's a couple from the midfield we have lost," Jefferies told Hearts.TV.[LNB]"Ryan Stevenson has done extremely well for us since he came in and he could be a big player for us next year.[LNB]"We have Ian Black and Ruben Palazuelos but maybe another midfield player to take the place of Larry and Michael would be useful and we are certainly looking at a couple of options there.[LNB]"We are also looking at strikers and competition for places would be good."[LNB]Jefferies may look at testing Ryan McGowan in midfield, with the youngster due to return to Hearts this summer following a loan deal with Ayr United.[LNB]"Ryan has caught my eye a couple times playing at right-back for Ayr but people say his best position is in midfield so we'll have a look at him," said Jefferies.[LNB]"He will certainly be a useful addition to the squad."[LNB]Club captain Stewart was also axed following a bust-up with Jefferies and is reportedly holding talks with Turkish club Genclerbirligi.[LNB]Fellow midfielder Kingston this week admitted his Jambos career was probably over, while Nade's days at Tynecastle looked numbered after he was hit with a final warning by Jefferies following a dressing-room altercation with team-mate Black.[LNB]Defender Goncalves was offered a new deal, which he rejected, causing him to be frozen out of the team.
