Hearts confirm Michael Stewart, Jose Goncalves, Laryea Kingston and Christian Nade are all headed for Tynecastle exit

HEARTS boss Jim Jefferies has confirmed an end of season clear-out of four first team players.

Out of contract players Michael Stewart, Jose Goncalves, Laryea Kingston and Christian Nade will all leave as the Tynecastle club bids to cut its wage bill.

Defender Goncalves was offered a new deal, which he rejected, causing him to be frozen out of the team.

Club captain Stewart was also axed following a bust-up with Jefferies and is reportedly holding talks with Turkish club Genclerbirligi.

Fellow midfielder Kingston this week admitted his Jambos 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."