Beni Baningime makes decision on Hearts future and says 'I know where I'm going to be playing next year'

Beni Baningime has revealed he has finally made up his mind on his Hearts future.

The former Everton midfielder is out of contract this summer and Steven Naismith is desperate to keep the 25-year-old on an extended deal. Baningime has taken time to weigh up his options and now the DR Congo-born star has confirmed that he will announce his decision over the next week or two after the Jambos wrapped up third spot.

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News: "I have made my decision and very soon, everyone will know about it. I know where I am going to be playing next year. A reason it probably took so long to make a decision is because I need to speak with my family.

"I have had a talk with my family as a whole, together, with the gaffer and different people. Ultimately I have got enough information to make a decision now and you will have to wait and see. It’s going to be interesting.

“We probably didn't have the greatest start but we had a stretch where we won so many games in a row and it shows how dominant we can be. Those sort of things do help as you are in a team where you know you are going to be playing Europe almost every single year.

“It’s going to be harder next year because teams will come for you but I think we can improve and I think we will improve next season. It is the test of what Rangers and Celtic do all the time.

“It’s doing well in the league and also trying to do well in Europe. That’s a tough ask but if we want to be that team, and I believe we can be, I think next season is going to be very exciting.”