Hearts could miss out on persuading Arnaud Djoum to come back to the capital after he reportedly agreed a deal with Saudi side Al-Raed.
The Cameroon star’s Tynecastle contract is up and he is currently preparing for his country’s last-16 Africa Cup of Nations showdown with Nigeria on Saturday
Just last week Djoum insisted he hadn't ruled out a return to Hearts and was waiting to the end of the tournament before making his mind up.
He stated: "I have a proposal from Hearts about an extension and I've left that with my agents.
"The door has been left open for me and I will announce my decision at the end of this competition."
But he now appears to have agreed to sign a two-year deal with ambitious Saudi club Al-Raed, with the official announcement set to be confirmed once Cameroon's tournament is over in Egypt.
Al-Raed, who play in the Qassim region of Saudi, finished in mid-table last season and want to recruit a number of high-profile signings for next season.
Djoum also had offers from Apollon Limassol and Panathinaikos, as well as a re-signing contract from Hearts.
Craig Levein admitted earlier this week he would dip back into the transfer market if Djoum and Olly Lee left Gorgie.
