ROMANOV: GORDON CAN LEAVE HEARTS
Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov insists Craig Gordon can decide how long he remains at Tynecastle.
The Scotland keeper said he would have seriously considered a move to Sunderland after the Edinburgh club rejected an offer earlier this month.
But the 24-year-old Hearts skipper has consistently stated he is happy at his boyhood heroes and will only think about a move if the club accept a bid.
Romanov - who also confirmed management duo Anatoly Korobochka and Stephen Frail will remain in their roles next season - claims Gordon is in control of his own future.
"I think it's for Craig to decide his own destiny," Romanov said.
"You can't just hold somebody at the club if he doesn't want to stay. It's the same with Gordon.
"He is very young and he has a fantastic future. If he tells me he wants to go, that's his decision."
Romanov could bank up to £10million if he sells Gordon before the August 31 deadline, but his value will decrease until his contract runs out in two years' time.
"Of course I should be thinking about financial aspects but I must ask Gordon whether he wants to leave," Romanov told Hearts World through an interpreter.
"It might be a difficult situation because he is the goalkeeper and captain.
"He can't allow himself to be nervous about something or lose control because that will affect the whole team.
"It's like a double pressure and I understand it's difficult for him.
"As soon as he tells us it's time to leave the club then we will arrange the best outlet."
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