Shock Hearts exit on cards amid release clause revelation as clubs circle

Hearts could be powerless to prevent Cammy Devlin from departing in January following reports that the midfielder has emerged as a transfer target for clubs in England and America.

The Australian international, who signed a new deal until summer 2026 only four months ago, is said to be attracting interest from Championship side Portsmouth and MLS outfit New York City FC.

And according to sister title Edinburgh Evening News, the 26-year-old's contract contains a minimum-fee release clause which clubs believe they can invoke in order to land his signature.

The shock report claims that a fee of £280,000 would be enough to trigger Devlin's exit clause and bring a sudden end to his three-and-a-half year spell at Tynecastle following his arrival from Newcastle Jets in summer 2021.

Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin is the subject of January transfer interest. | SNS Group

Devlin has been a regular starter under Neil Critchey since the former QPR and Blackpool manager took over the reins in mid-October following the sacking of Steven Naismith.

In total, Devlin has made 130 appearances for Hearts with his combatic and energetic nature making him a popular figure among the support, if not with referees with 40 yellow cards and one sending off making him one of the Scottish Premiership's worst disciplinary offenders.

It is claimed that Portsmouth have monitored Devlin for some time and will decide whether to make an official offer before the January transfer window closes. New York City, meanwhile, have Devlin high on a list of players who could enhance their midfield for the new MLS season starting next month. Whether they take their interest further is likely to depend on players leaving to create space in their squad.

Devlin's Hearts and Australia team-mate Kye Rowles is close to finalising a move to DC United in the coming days, and his fellow Socceroo may get the chance to join him in the America if NYC make a formal approach.