Hearts of Midlothian manager Craig Leiven has reiterated that Ghanaian midfielder Prince Buaben will depart the club at the end of the ongoing Scottish season.

Buaben joined the Midlothian-based side in the 2014 season from English lower-tier side Carlisle United.

The 29-year-old quickly became a mainstay in the Jambos side, having been deployed in almost all the positions at the back line as well in midfield.

However, according to manager Leiven, the club have decided against keeping him when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign after announcing pre-contract deals for St Johnstone forward Steven MacLean and Cambridge striker Uche Ikpeazu this week.

“We spent last weekend conducting our football review, and deciding which players can help us to take the club forward," Leiven told Hearts TV.

“In Connor’s case, I’ve been very happy with his performances this season. However, we happen to be in a position where we are already well equipped in the right-back area, so he will return to Liverpool at the end of the season.

“Prince has been a great servant to this club and, like Connor, has played in different positions when asked to. I feel the time is right for him to move on and stake a claim for first-team football at another club,"

“I was just hoping to get another contract at the end of my three years. To get it now and to be where I am is just amazing. I still don’t believe it yet.”

Buaben has made 112 appearances in almost four years at Tynecastle since joining the club in 2014 but has made 17 appearances in the Scottish Premier League this term.