Robert Snodgrass in shock Hearts exit talks as veteran midfielder is poised to rip up his contract early

Snodgrass' deal is up in the summer but is unlikely to be around for Steven Naismith's interim spell in charge.

Robert Snodgrass is poised for a shock early exit from Hearts in the coming days.

Record Sport understands talks between the player and club regarding his immediate future are taking place, and that his stay at Tynecastle could be over well before his contract expires at the end of the season. Snodgrass would be the second big-name departure from Gorgie after Robbie Neilson was sacked on Sunday evening following a run of five straight defeats, which has seen Aberdeen leapfrog the Tynecastle club into third place and put the Dons in pole position for the Europa Conference League group stage.

The veteran midfielder signed a season-long deal back in September after leaving Luton Town last summer. The timing of his arrival meant he was forced to sit out the Jambos’ Europa Conference League group stage fixtures, but was used by former boss Neilson domestically as he sought a second successive third placed finish this season.

Snodgrass proved popular with fans after an impressive run of form earlier in the campaign. However, the wheels have come off for him and his teammates since.

Now the strong personality may have played his last game in maroon. The players held a dressing-room inquest following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren in which Snodgrass was sent off for a reckless tackle in the second half when already on a booking.

Next up is an Edinburgh derby against Hibs at Easter Road. Snodgrass won't be involved due to suspension, even if he remains a Hearts player. He’s made 25 appearances in total for the club, scoring once and providing four assists.