Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken has vowed to do everything in his power to keep Cammy Devlin at Tynecastle beyond this summer.
The Australian international midfielder is now officially out of contract, leaving him free to negotiate with clubs from around the world.
Interest in Devlin has emerged from Major League Soccer, with Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders among those monitoring his availability.
Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers have also been linked with a potential move for the combative midfielder.
Vrancken is determined to hold talks with Devlin once Australia’s World Cup campaign comes to an end, though he acknowledges the final decision rests entirely with the player.
The Belgian coach said: “It is totally with him, I think, at this moment. It’s the end of contract, so it’s his decision. What he wants to do.”
Vrancken was clear about the value he places on quality players within his squad, adding: “The more good players I have, the better for me as a coach. It’s normal. But everybody has to make the decision for himself, of course.”
The Hearts boss confirmed he has not yet spoken directly with Devlin, citing the importance of allowing the player to remain fully focused on the World Cup.
Vrancken explained: “No, I haven’t spoken with him yet. [He’s] fully concentrated at the World Cup, I think.”
He drew on his previous experience managing Japanese players at Sint Truidense during a World Cup year, noting those players needed full concentration to perform at the highest level.
Vrancken added: “Also, when I look to the past, Japanese players from last year and the World Cup, I think they have to just be focused on there now to perform.”
He confirmed that contact would follow once Devlin makes his intentions clear, saying: “Yeah, for sure. Depending on what he decides. When he’s going to decide, for sure, I will give him a call.”
Beyond the Devlin situation, uncertainty also surrounds veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who is similarly out of contract at Hearts.
Gordon previously hinted he could consider retirement following the conclusion of the World Cup, leaving his long-term future unresolved.
Vrancken addressed the Gordon situation with a similar stance, saying: “Not at the moment. Like I said, I’m only focusing on the players I have now or are here.”
The Hearts coach reiterated his broader philosophy on contract matters, stating: “The situation of their contracts, it’s always with the player himself. What he wants to do.”
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