Romanov plans to jettison Elvis and his Scottish pals in January

Sportsmail understands ousted captain Pressley and fellow Scotland caps Paul Hartley, Craig Gordon and Robbie Neilson are all on the market for the January transfer window.

As former Hearts hero Rudi Skacel accused Romanov of trying to 'kill' the club, a veil of silence was drawn over the 'Pressleygate' affair.

But it is believed the club's four most high-profile Scots will be put up for sale in an act which will meet with a furious reaction from the Tynecastle faithful.

Dundee United will lead the race to reunite Pressley, who left Tannadice for Hearts eight years ago, with his former Tynecastle boss Craig Levein.

The 33-year-old defender - the most-capped player in the club's history - walked out of the team hotel prior to the game against Falkirk amid a plot to oust him as captain. Hearts sporting director Alex Koslovski confirmed the long-serving skipper had asked "not to be selected due to his state of mind".

Pressley declined to comment on his situation or his future after training alone at the club's Riccarton training centre.

But, with his contract due to expire in the summer, it seems likely his eight-year Hearts career will end in January after a bitter rift with the club's hierarchy.

A contract clause related to first-team appearances could have triggered an extra 12 months on his deal, but it is believed that clause is now unlikely to be activated.

'Horrible situation'

And, despite the fact that extending his stay until the summer of 2008 would pave the way for a lucrative testimonial, Pressley appears to be at the end of his tether.

Goalkeeper Gordon, the only one of the quartet selected for the 1-1 draw at Falkirk on Monday night, has been targeted by Arsenal and Middlesbrough and could also move in the New Year.

Hartley has attracted interest from Crystal Palace and, having backed Pressley and Gordon in speaking of 'significant unrest' in the dressing room last month, is increasingly unsettled.

And Neilson, who won his first Scotland cap in Ukraine last month, is also tired of being continually left out on Romanov's instructions.

"It's a horrible situation at Hearts and I don't know what will happen next," said Skacel, who left Tynecastle in the summer.

"Romanov wants to probably kill the club. But he has made a big mistake with Elvis and it's unbelievable what he's doing - just horrible.

"I'm finished with Hearts, but I still look on at the bad decisions Romanov is making. I'm disappointed and it's hard for the fans and all the staff as they do not deserve this.

"It's really crazy. It must be very difficult for Elvis - a big player for Hearts and a club legend - and he doesn't deserve this either."

Skacel's views were echoed by Derek Watson, secretary of the Hearts Supporters' Trust, as the shockwaves unleashed by Pressley's omission refused to subside.

"Steven has the full backing of the Hearts fans regardless of what has happened," said Watson. "He has led the club on and off the field over the past three or four years even before Romanov became involved. If Steven has felt that he wasn't in a fit mental state to play on Monday that's understandable given everything that's gone on.

"All the fans are right behind him and see him as a leader within the club. We want him in a Hearts jersey with the captain's armband and every effort should be made to make that happen.

"We know the club is in a bit of turmoil and it's vital that settles down soon. Frankly, if Steven Pressley isn't involved, I don't see how that will happen."