Basso has rarely featured since joining Hearts

Hearts goalkeeper Anthony Basso's future at Tynecastle is in doubt after contract talks between the club and his representatives broke down.

The Frenchman joined the Edinburgh side last summer from Auxerre but has made just eight appearances.

But BBC Sport has learned that the club are unwilling to match the player's �7,000 per week wage demands.

Basso is currently behind number one Steve Banks in the Tynecastle goalkeeping pecking order.

The 27-year-old and Lithuanian Eduardas Kurskis - who has since left the club following a loan stint - have each had first-team opportunites in goal this season following Craig Gordon's departure before the season started.

I was not ordered not to play him Hearts caretaker manager Stevie Frail

Youngster Jamie McDonald is due to return to the capital and fight for the number one jersey when his loan period at Queen of the South ends after next month's Scottish Cup final.

Meanwhile, caretaker manager Stevie Frail has defended owner Vladimir Romanov's decision to meddle in last week's team selection for the visit of St Mirren.

The banker told Frail not to select Basso after the Frenchman rejected the offer of a new deal.

"I think a lot was made of it in terms of who was picking the team and I don't see it as in any way, shape or form, interference from the owner," said Frail.

"It happens at other football clubs with people that don't sign contracts.

"The club believe it's a good deal and he has not signed it.

"It's then indicated he wasn't to play and I've no problem with that.

"It's football business and it's in no way, in my opinion or anyone else at the club, interfering from the owner.

"I was not ordered not to play him.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Should Hearts meet Basso's reported wage demands?

"Even if I was making the decision on my own in terms of a manager making a managerial decision, I might have made the same decision.

"It's not as if I'm being told to play someone because the owner thinks that someone else is better.

"It was given to me that Anthony has not signed a contract so I have to deal with it."