Derek McInnes has confirmed that Danny Armstrong will leave Kilmarnock in the summer.
But the gaffer says that reports of a pre-contract with Hearts would be news to him.
The 27-year-old is closing in on 150 appearances for the Rugby Park outfit but is set to leave in the summer after a four year stint.
That’s after McInnes says the club made a ‘huge effort’ to keep hold of the winger.
He said: “I speak to Danny’s agent regularly, and I speak to Danny regularly, so I think I would know if there had been contact. Certainly, if Hearts want to come through the door and let us know of their intentions to speak to Danny then fine, but they haven’t.
“I’m really relaxed with it. I’m fine with it. We put a huge effort in as a club to try to get Danny to sign again. It’s the same with all of our players who we see as having good value.”
He added: “Anyone who is a flight risk – we’re not sleep-walking, watching our players going into the last year of their contract. Anybody who thinks that is on cloud cuckoo land.
“We’ve tried and tried. I was delighted with the offer the club put to Danny. He refused it, as is his right, and we’re alright about it. I have never questioned his commitment.
“He’s not quite been at the same level this season, but I thought last week against Aberdeen he was excellent. It would be no surprise to me if clubs were looking at Danny.”
While McInnes confirmed the player’s departure come June, he insisted it’s up to other clubs if they have a desire to take the player in the January transfer window.
He said: “He’s not going to be a Kilmarnock player next season. We’ve accepted that.
“If he’s going to be a Kilmarnock player beyond January then it’s up to clubs to come through the door and ask the question.
“I think I’m close enough to Danny to know if there was any contact, and I believe him that there hasn’t from Hearts or anybody.”
McInnes says he’ll be looking to make additions to the squad if possible during the transfer window - but doesn’t expect that to happen before Thursday’s visit of St Mirren.
Killie hope to get 2025 off to a winning start when the Buddies make the short trip from Paisley (3pm kick-off).
The gaffer said: “It’s called the January window but the business doesn’t usually get done until the last two or three days.
“It’s very rare that you’re able to make early signings in January unless you’re spending money. I’d imagine we’ll be as we are heading into the St Mirren game.”
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