Steven Naismith has insisted he is not aware of any feedback from Lawrence Shankland's representatives over the contract offer tabled by Hearts.

Reports have suggested the new deal on the table won't be enough to convince Shankland to pen fresh terms at Tynecastle.

However, Naismith brushed off questions on Shankland's future as he insisted discussions are a "process" and matters will reach a natural conclusion.

On whether he's aware of any feedback to the contract offer, Naimsith simply stated: "No."

Quizzed on the reports the offer is not good enough, he added: "That's for Shanks to decide if that's the case or not. When you get to the endpoint, we will do what we can physically do.

"Players who run their contracts down potentially have opportunities and offers which aren't there when you are under contract.

READ MORE: Spartans 1 Hearts 2: Gordon back in action as Jambos scrape through

"He's got 18 months left, we have started speaking to him about a new deal, we will get to an endpoint and see where that takes us.

"It's a process and, inevitably, we will get to the endpoint. The club will do all we can to keep him and it's a big decision for him. He will take as long as he needs to decide."

Scotland international Shankland missed the Scottish Cup win over Spartans due to a sickness bug with the player advised to stay away from the club as to avoid spreading the illness to the squad.

"Yeah, it is," said Naismith on Shankland's absence being one for conspiracy theorists over a possible exit. "He hasn't been about for the last few days so we will see how he is. I don't know whether he will make Tuesday or not. We will wait and see.

"He's been ill for two days. On the advice of the medical staff, he hasn't been in the building because he isn't wanting to spread it."