Manager Jim Jefferies is hopeful Lee Wallace will extend his stay with Hearts, but knows the difficulties of keeping a player in the final year of their contract.

The Scotland international has been the subject of recent transfer speculation, although he told Hearts.TV that he hasn't let it affect him.

His manager attested to that, and would love Lee to sign a new deal with the Jambos, but insists it would still take a good offer to prize him away just now.

Speaking at his pre match press conference ahead of Sunday's game with Royal Antwerp, JJ said: "Lee is a great asset to the club. The problem is that he's in the last year of his contract.

"It's the same with any player at any club - it makes things a bit more difficult. If we can get him on a long term contract, then his price will go up.

"The club will try to extend his contract, but if he wants to move on, clubs will be in for him. If the offer is low, we're better off keeping him as he'd be worth more to us in the short time he'd be here.

"He has a great attitude. I've seen players that let speculation affect them and they're at your door every day asking what's happening - we've never had a problem with Lee.

"He's been here a long time - if he does move on he would like the club to get decent money for him."

Jim also confirmed that talks with Rudi Skacel over a new contract were ongoing.

He added: "He's back training with us but he's not quite 100% ready for matches just yet.

"I think we'll know by tomorrow if he can feature at the weekend. He has contract talks going on with the club and they'll hopefully be resolved tomorrow or certainly over the weekend."

Today on Hearts.TV and App - exclusive interview with Lee Wallace