Hearts have confirmed the departures of Michael Stewart, Jose Goncalves, Laryea Kingston and Christian Nade.
Jambos captain among Tynecastle leavers
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has confirmed the club has parted ways with Michael Stewart, Jose Goncalves, Laryea Kingston and Christian Nade.
The out-of-contract players are among the highest earners at Tynecastle and the Jambos are keen to cut down their wage bill.
Defender Goncalves rejected the offer of a new deal - causing him to be frozen out of the team, while club captain Stewart was also axed following a bust-up with Jefferies.
The midfielder, who spent three years at the club, is now reportedly holding talks with Turkish outfit Genclerbirligi.
Fellow midfielder Kingston this week admitted his Hearts career was probably over, while Nade's days at Tynecastle looked numbered after he was hit with a final warning by Jefferies following a dressing-room altercation with team-mate Ian Black.
"These players that are out of contract have now moved on and we wish them all the best," said Jefferies.
"We have got to concentrate now on the players that are here and the players that will come in to strengthen us.
"The wage bill will be greatly reduced and the way you can guarantee that is to assess the people out of contract."
