Hearts defender Bouzid to follow Palazuelos out of Tynecastle

THE DEPARTED: Ismael Bouzid

Thomas Boehm, Bouzid's Austrian-based representative, has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the Tynecastle hierarchy but conceded that his client has played his final game for the Edinburgh club.

France and Turkey are possible destinations for Bouzid following a two-year stay in Scotland. Hearts are considering alternative options at centre-back next season and Boehm stated that Bouzid's departure is amicable. "Ismael will leave the club. Hearts are not taking the option to sign him but we have other options outside the UK," he explained.

"We have a really good relationship with Hearts and it was really great for Ismael to play two years in Edinburgh for a good team. He had a really great experience but now I think it's time for a new challenge in his career. We had really good talks with Hearts but I think they have some other ideas. That's okay for us."

Hearts confirmed the departure of Bouzid, while also clarifying that Ruben Palazuelos, as revealed by the Evening News last month, had left the club.

A spokesperson said: "We would like to thank both Ruben and Ismael for all their efforts while at Hearts. They played a major part in our success in finishing third last season and we wish them well with their careers wherever their journeys may take them."

Meanwhile, Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has returned from a meeting with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov in Lithuania and is eager to continue with his summer plans.

"There are still one or two things to sort out on the player front and it was good to get some decent time to sit down with Vladimir and go over them," he said. "It was a constructive meeting. I am on holiday soon so this was the ideal chance for us to talk about a number of matters."

Following the conclusion of discussions about his budget, Jefferies has reached an agreement with 26-year-old midfielder Ryan Stevenson over a one-year contract extension.

"Ryan was my first signing when I came back as manager and he has taken his chance well," said Jefferies. "It was a big step-up for him and he got into the team quicker than he maybe thought due to the injury situation at the time.

"We tried him further up the park as one of the strikers and he did extremely well. He is still young and can get better and it's up to him to go and establish himself.

"He is a terrific lad," continued the Hearts boss. "He maybe took a bit of criticism in some games but he showed sheer determination to prove he is capable. I don't think anyone could complain about the effort he puts in."