Scottish transfers: Hearts in target blow, 44-goal ex-Rangers released, Hibs defender joins Premiership rivals

A number of Premiership clubs are confirming the players who will be departing at the end of their contracts following the conclusion of the season as managers begin to tweak and overhaul their squad ahead of pre-season.

Six exit Tannadice

Dundee United have confirmed the departure of six players. Ryan Edwards, Peter Pawlett, Ian Harkes and Liam Smith will also exit following the expiry of their contracts at Tannadice, while it has been confirmed Loick Ayina and Jamie McGrath will return to their parent clubs. The latter, who struck eight goals this season on loan from Wigan Athletic, spoke of his future.

“I am not too sure what’s on the horizon for me,” he said. “Obviously, I didn’t envisage what has happened here this season so I have been trying to get over that in the last few days. Whatever happens in the summer happens, I’ve not really thought about it. The last few days since relegation was on us I’ve thought about that and nothing else. I’ll take a few weeks off and then see what’s happening.”

Saints exodus

Fourteen players will leave St Johnstone as Steven MacLean looks to overhaul the squad after being made permanent manager. It had already been confirmed that Murray Davidson will retire, while more cup-winning legends will follow him out of the club, including David Wotherspoon and Michael O'Halloran. Also departing once their contracts end are Eetu Vertainen, Jamie Murphy, Charlie Gilmour, Bobby Dailly, Spencer Moreland and William Sandford. Remi Matthews, Alex Mitchell, Adam Montgomery, Zak Rudden and Connor McLennan have all returned to their parent clubs. It has also been confirmed that striker Theo Bair is up for sale.