Denis Prychynenko could make a shock return to Hearts eight years after he left, as the centre-back says he has an offer on the table from the newly-promoted side.
The Ukrainian moved to Tynecastle in 2011 as a 19-year-old but was released by manager Gary Locke as the Jambos plunged into financial crisis in the latter days of the Vladimir Romanov reign.
Prychynenko has spent the last five years at Belgian top-flight side Beerschot and has developed into something of a cult hero with the club and a fans' favourite.
But he was told this week he wouldn't receive a new deal at Beerschot and can leave at the end of the season.
And the 29-year-old could yet return to Scotland in the Premiership with Hearts.
He said: "To my great surprise, I have many options for next season. My ex-coach from CSKA Sofia is now back at that club and he has already called me. I've also had phone calls from Australia, Russia and three teams from Belgium.
"Hearts in Scotland is also an option. We'll see. First, I want to close this chapter properly.
"I never dreamed five years ago that it would be such an exceptionally beautiful adventure here at Beerschot. I have had fantastic years here that I will cherish and have made memories and friends for life. That is worth much more than a possible new contract.
"I was at the end of my contract and I have not had my best season, so I saw it coming. The way in which the people on the board have dealt with my farewell is a great credit to them.
"I received more than a thousand messages from the fans on social media and hundreds more in other ways. I will reply to every single one of them. They deserve that."
