Four Jambos heroes head for the Tynecastle exit door as Hearts confirm summer clear-out

Baningime, Kent, Forrest and Neilson all depart on free transfers as Derek McInnes reshapes his squad ahead of a Champions League qualifying campaign

Hearts have confirmed that four players will leave Tynecastle Park when their contracts expire this summer - with Beni Baningime, Frankie Kent, Alan Forrest and Lewis Neilson all moving on as Derek McInnes begins the business of building for next season.

It marks the end of an era in Gorgie for the quartet who between them have given plenty of memorable moments in maroon - from European nights to derby screamers to helping fire the club to second place and a Champions League qualifying campaign. But now, as Hearts prepare for life at the top table of Scottish football once again, all four will seek their next challenges elsewhere.

Their exits come hot on the heels of captain Lawrence Shankland moving to Premiership rivals Rangers on a free transfer and at a pivotal moment for Hearts. Having secured second place in the Premiership and a return to Champions League qualifying football for the first time in years, McInnes now faces the task of keeping that momentum going, while replacing players who have been part of the fabric of the club for the best part of four seasons.

The summer window opens on June 15th and there will be a huge amount of work to be done in Gorgie.