'Erratic' Vlad riles Nuremberg during Goncalves negotiations

NUREMBERG have not given up hope of taking Jose Goncalves on loan next season although they are losing patience with Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov.

The German outfit submitted a second loan offer for the player at the end of last week and set a deadline of the start of business yesterday.

Hearts failed to respond and despite their increasing frustration at the prolonged talks, the Bundesliga 2 side remain hopeful that a deal can be struck.

Having seen one offer for the Portuguese under-21 star rebuffed they submitted a second loan offer which included first option on the player when that deal expires at the end of next season.

The Evening News understands Nuremberg would have to pay more than £1 million if they then wished to make Goncalves' switch to the Frankenstadion permanent. Nuremberg boss Thomas von Heesen sees Goncalves as a key acquisition as he looks to take the club back into the German top flight but they are now growing increasingly frustrated dealing with Romanov.

Martin Bader, Nuremberg's sport director who is conducting negotiations, said: "He is unpredictable. We are negotiating with him for months already, and he is very erratic. That makes it difficult."