Glenn Whelan has played 17 times for Hearts

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel admitted today that midfielder Glenn Whelan’s time at the club is coming to an end.

The Evening News revealed that the 35-year-old Irishman’s future was in serious doubt after he was omitted from the squad for the Boxing Day Edinburgh derby against Hibs.

His contract expires at the end of the season but he is expected to part company with Hearts in the coming days. Stendel, who took charge at Tynecastle Park earlier this month, wants to recruit more leadership during the January transfer window.

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Asked about Whelan, the German coach said: “I can say he is a good type. He wants to take the responsibility but I have seen only three games. Do you have the feeling he is a leader in this group?

“It’s not Glenn’s fault – but a real leader in the centre of the pitch? Sorry. Maybe I missed it. Maybe Michael Smith tries to take responsibility on the pitch.

“We can bring one in but also we can improve one other player to take more responsibility. Before I came here, they signed some players who have experience and are the right age to take the responsibility. Maybe they are not fit at the moment or they cannot handle the situation at the moment. This is a big point for us.”

Whelan has played 17 times for Hearts since arriving in