Hearts have denied claims from the Scottish Premier League that they have failed to pay their players on time for a fourth successive month.

The SPL confirmed earlier today that they would be holding a meeting to discuss possible sanctions for the club.

However, Hearts have now released a statement insisting that their playing squad has been paid on time.

"The club totally refutes the suggestion made in today's statement from the SPL that it failed to comply with this order," read the statement on the club's official website.

"The club has made payment of the remuneration to each of the players on January 16 and has documentary evidence to this effect."

Hearts are currently third in the table.