Goncalves has been linked with a move to Celtic

Hearts defender Jose Goncalves says any decision over his future at the club will depend on Csaba Laszlo's future.

The Portuguese, whose deal expires in the summer, says he is not planning to leave Tynecastle but would consider an exit if manager Laszlo was to leave.

Goncalves, 25, announced his intention to move on from Hearts but has not ruled out a contract extension.

"If Csaba stays, it would also make me think about staying. I would love to stay," said Goncalves.

Goncalves admitted two pertinent issues were the future of manager Csaba Laszlo and his ability to bring players into the club in January.

Laszlo has spoken of his frustration about the club's recruitment policy in recent months.

I'm very happy that one of the Old Firm are looking at me, but I'm not thinking about leaving at the moment Hearts defender Jose Goncalves

"Everyone knows all the work he has done," said Goncalves.

"There have been a lot of players left, but he always gives his best.

"It's very important for all the players to work under Csaba Laszlo, he is a great manager. He always gets the best from the players."

Goncalves is also aware of apparent interest from Celtic but said: "I'm not thinking about that. There has been some speculation in the newspaper, but it's not my position to say I want to leave.

"I'm very happy that one of the Old Firm are looking at me, but I'm not thinking about leaving at the moment.

"If I have to stay in Scotland or go to England or somewhere else in the UK, I would be very happy.

"It's very important because I know the country very well and I know the football. So it's not a new life.

"I have had four great years and I don't see any problem with staying."

The centre-back's form since his return from a season-long loan at Nuremberg has seen him on the fringes of the Portugal squad.

And he is keen to stay focused on helping Hearts push up the Scottish Premier League when he returns from suspension against Hamilton on Sunday.

"I'm not thinking about leaving," he said. "My focus is to do my job and do the best for the team.

"I have had four great years at Hearts. I really like the country and the club.

"It depends on a lot of stuff, I can't tell you what, but I'll be very happy to stay at Hearts."

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