Josh Ginnelly has officially been released by Preston North End alongside former Motherwell striker Louis Moult.
The Deepdale club published their retained list earlier today and the on-loan Hearts winger will be leaving under freedom of contract when it expires next month.
The winger has suffered from injuries this season but has still been an effective performer for Robbie Neilson.
Ginnelly netted four goals in just ten appearances with one assist in maroon despite a persistent hamstring injury keeping him out in the run up to the Scottish Cup final.
He recovered in time to make a big impact of the bench at Hampden, smashing home en extra-time equaliser ina thrilling 3-3 draw with Celtic, who eventually won on penalties.
His season was ended less than a month later after he suffered a thigh injury early on in a 4-0 win at Raith Rovers.
That required surgery, but Ginnnelly remained at Tynecastle to complete his rehab and has been around his teammates for the remainder of the season.
Talks have been taking place over a permanent switch to Edinburgh with both parties hopeful something can be agreed.
Also leaving Preston is Louis Moult.
The striker is another who has suffered with injuries since making the move south after a very successful spell with Motherwell.
He will no doubt be on the radar of several clubs north of the border after 50 goals in 98 appearances for the Steelmen.
However, should he be the type of striker Hearts are keen to add to their squad then the influence of sporting director Joe Savage, who worked with Moult at Preston, cold give them an advantage.
Manager Frankie McAvoy said: "Sometimes people need a fresh start in life. Louis and Billy have been a bit unfortunate with injuries.
"Louis scored against Wigan and then we went to Swansea, he looked great and we were thinking we are going to see the best of him.
"Unfortunately he then suffered that horrific injury. He's now fit and ready to play.
"The unfortunate thing is that in the time he has lost, there are others we have got here who in my opinion are ahead of him at the moment,
"He needs to go and play, he is hungry to go and play football.
Welsh winger Billy Bodin was the other senior player let go by the English championship side.
