Goncalves is expected back at Tynecastle for pre-season training in July

Portuguese defender Jose Goncalves will return to Hearts this summer after FC Nuremberg decided against signing him.

Goncalves spent last season on loan with the German club and they had an option to buy should he be a success.

But the 23-year-old failed to seal a regular place with the Bundesliga Second Division side.

Goncalves' current deal with Hearts runs out at the end of next season and he is expected to return to Tynecastle for pre-season training early in July.

The former FC Thun player joined Hearts in January 2006, via a loan from Kaunas, before signing a permanent deal despite an injury-hit time in Edinburgh.

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