Kenneth Vargas makes Scottish football jibe as Hearts forward hints at January Tynecastle exit

Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas has admitted he wants to leave the club in January in order to “show oneself and compete” against “better-level players”.

The Costa Rican forward is under contract at Tynecastle until 2029, but he claims a clause in his contract would allow him to leave in the upcoming transfer window if said clause is met by any interested club. The Hearts Standard report that the club will speak with Vargas upon returning to Gorgie about his comments.

Vargas has bagged two goals in 19 appearances so far this season, and has played 853 Scottish Premiership minutes. The forward made the comments to broadcaster ESPN, and has some choice words about the standard of Scottish football.

READ MORE: Scott McTominay throws down Scotland gauntlet as Napoli man wants to make history

READ MORE: Steve Clarke issues Scotland rallying cry to help young players make crucial first-team step

He said: "Yes, it's no secret, Hearts is a great place, it's a great team, but one always looks for better options, the ability to show oneself and compete.

"I would like to go somewhere else where I can have a better place and compete more. I don't want my words to be misinterpreted, but I want more friction, to play against better-level players.

"There’s a possibility that I could leave in January, it does not depend on me, there is a clause, if a team comes and pays, I am the one who has the final say, but these things are not in my hands. The clause is there. I have no problem negotiating.

"I still have a while left, until 2029, but from what I have been told there are clubs interested, there is a possibility that I could leave

He continued: "I think changing teams is something personal, Scotland is a great place, but football-wise they don't have such a good level, everyone knows that, but I want to go to a better place, I can be in a comfort zone in my club, I always play, but I think that's what one looks for, to always be able to compete. Taking that into account, whatever I do with my team will benefit the national team."

The 22-year-old is also not overly concerned about upsetting the Hearts hierarchy with his rather pointed remarks.

"No, they themselves are the ones who tell me that, for them I am an object of exchange."