Goncalves will be playing in Germany next season

Portuguese defender Jose Goncalves has signed a new two-year contract at Hearts but will immediately be sent to Nuremberg for a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old joined Hearts on a loan deal from Kaunas in January 2006 just after his move from Swiss side FC Thun.

Nuremberg are aiming to bounce straight back into the Bundesliga following their relegation last season.

The German club have an option to complete a permanent move for Goncalves once the loan spell has ended.

Goncalves would have been able to leave Tynecastle for free next summer if he had not agreed a new contract.

MY SPORT: DEBATE We seem to be quite content on letting players slip away from the club without any sign of lining up replacements ajm1874 mk2 feat. The Alexa Chung Fanclub

Hearts negotiated a similar deal with West Brom for striker Roman Bednar, who this summer completed a �2.3m move.

The left-back, who cost the Lithuanian side Kaunas �700,000, has made 47 appearances during an injury-hit period at Tynecastle.