YOU KEN THAT I MAY DEPART IN NEW YEAR

KENNETH VARGAS has admitted he could leave Hearts in January in a shock outburst.

- ROSS PILCHER

The Costa Rican forward wants to play against higher-calibre opponents and has revealed there is a clause in his contract that will allow him to depart Tynecastle if interested parties are willing to meet the release fee.

Vargas initially joined on loan from CS Herediano in 2023 and made the move permanent in the last six months, penning a fiveyear deal with the Jambos.

But, speaking while on international duty, the 22-year-old has revealed he's always on the lookout for better options and that he could be on the way out of Gorgie when the transfer window opens in a few weeks' time.

Record Sport understands Hearts will discuss the matter with Vargas on his return to Edinburgh.