Sunderland had a bid rejected for goalkeeper Craig Gordon

"I think it's for Craig to decide his own destiny and future," said Romanov, whose club rejected a �5m summer offer from Sunderland for the 24-year-old.

"As soon as he tells us it's time to leave the club, we will arrange the best offer.

"We can't hold somebody at the club if he does not want to stay."

Romanov recognised that Gordon had more on his shoulders after he became captain following the departure to Celtic of Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley.

"He is a goalkeeper - and a very talented one - and he is the captain," said Romanov.

I've got to think I will be still be at Hearts after the closure of the transfer window Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon

"And I understand it's a double pressure and it was a difficult season for him last year."

Hearts recently rejected a �5m offer from Sunderland and reports have claimed that the Edinburgh club valued Gordon at �10m.

Romanov admitted that he would have to do what's best for Hearts and that it was going to be "a very difficult decision".

But he added: "If he tells me that he wants to go, it's his decision."

Sunderland have dropped their interest in the goalkeeper after having their offer rejected.

And Gordon expects to remain with the Edinburgh club after a summer of speculation linking him with a move to England's top flight.

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"The bid has not been accepted, so I didn't have a decision to make," said the 24-year-old.

"I've got to think I will be still be at Hearts after the closure of the transfer window."

Gordon was cool about the reported �10m figure wanted by Hearts.

"The club hasn't told me what kind of figure they want for me, but that's up to them," he said.

"I'm the captain of this club and with that comes responsibilities.