CRAIG LEVEIN and Austin MacPhee have left Hearts following the expiration of their contracts.

THe Tynecastle club have also announced the departure of 16 players ahead of the start of the 2020/21 season.

A club statement read: "Heart of Midlothian Football Club can today provide an update to supporters concerning squad and staff departures ahead of the 2020/21 season.

"Oliver Bozanic, Clevid Dikamona, Jay Nwanze, Brodie Strang, Craig Levein, Austin MacPhee and Jack Wilson have all left the club following the expiration of their contracts.

"In the coming days Donis Avdijaj, Daniel Baur, Marcel Langer, Steven MacLean, Alex Petkov, Kelby Mason, Dean Ritchie, Rory Currie, Ryotaro Meshino, Joel Pereira and Toby Sibbick will depart Tynecastle upon expiration of their contracts or loan deals.

"The club would like to thank everyone for their efforts at Hearts and we wish them well for the future."