Zaliukas agrees terms

Deal verbally agreed

Defender Marius Zaliukas has agreed to join SPL outfit Hearts on a permanent basis.

The Lithuania international has been on loan at Tynecastle since the summer of 2006 from FBK Kaunas with the agreement set to expire at the end of December.

Uncertainty over the defender's future meant he was unavailable for selection, but they now have secured two wins and two clean sheets since his return.

Jefferies is unsure why the paperwork is currently being held up, however, he is delighted the 26-year-old is staying for the foreseeable future.

Agreed

"It's all been verbally agreed," said Jefferies. "I don't know where it's being held up but we're of the opinion that the paperwork will all be tied up.

"He's here, he's committed to the club and we don't see any problem. We don't know what's holding it up, but he's been available for me the last two games.

"He'll be available for me on Sunday and hopefully for the next couple of years, whatever the length of contract is that he's signed."