Harry Cochrane will leave Hearts this summer after turning down a new contract.
The midfielder will be best remembered for his opening goal as a 16-year-old in the stunning 4-0 hammering of Celtic that ended the Hoops’ 69-game unbeaten in December 2017.
But he has since failed to live up to his early promise and has spent this season on loan at Montrose in League One after a spell with Dunfermline last season.
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson insists he was keen to hang on to Cochrane beyond the expiry of his contract in June.
But the 19-year-old, who has only made 33 appearances for Hearts in nearly four years since his 2017 debut, is keen for a fresh start.
The Tynecastle side say they have protected their right to compensation by offering Cochrane fresh terms.
Neilson said: “Having been offered a contract extension, Harry has informed us that he wants to try something new.
“Harry is a talented player that we would have liked the opportunity to further develop, however we have to respect his decision.
“Having been with the club for the past nine years we would like to wish Harry all the best for the future.”
Sporting director Joe Savage has confessed a ‘fresh move may be best for all concerned’ and insists Hearts are working hard to ensure they get their recruitment right for a return to the Premiership.
He said: “We plough ahead with developing existing talent and sourcing new players of all ages to come in and improve the team both short and long-term.”
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