Hearts have confirmed the departure of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan halfway through his one-year contract.

And the 35-year-old will now try and secure a new club in England in a bid to retain his place in the Ireland side ahead of the March playoff for Euro 2020.

Whelan joined Hearts in the summer on a free transfer from Aston Villa, revealing at the time that he had turned down offers of a move to Asia and the USA as Mick McCarthy wanted him to play at a high level.

But the Edinburgh club had a tough start to the SPL season, manager Craig Levein departing in October, and new boss Daniel Stendel made it clear after he arrived at Tynecastle that Whelan was not in his plans.

And in a brief statement today, Hearts confirmed that Whelan was gone. "Glenn Whelan has today left Heart of Midlothian Football Club by mutual agreement. The Republic of Ireland midfielder made 17 appearances during his four-month spell in Gorgie. The club wishes Glenn well in the future," the statement said.

A number of Championship teams were linked with Whelan before the Hearts move, including former clubs Stoke and Sheffield Wednesday and the player is now assessing his options.

Online Editors