Heart of Midlothian will have conversations with Craig Gordon and Craig Halkett over new contracts, while initial talks have been held with Beni Baningime's representatives.

All three are out of contract at the end of the season with the club keen to give the trio time as they recover from long-term injuries.

Baningime has returned to the first-team fold after a lengthy absence which stretches back to March 2022. He has made five appearances this season but just two starts. 

Gordon and Halkett continue their work in getting back to full fitness. Both have not featured since the draw with Dundee United on Christmas Eve. The goalkeeper suffered a double leg break and he took a huge step in his recovery, taking part in a behind closed doors match with The Spartans last week at Tynecastle Park, playing 45 minutes.

Halkett sustained a serious knee injury but is hopeful of a November return. The centre-back has a clause in his contract whereby if he plays a certain number of games this season it would trigger a contract extension.

READ MORE: Frankie Kent: How Hearts have filled the Craig Halkett void

Speaking to Hearts Standard, sporting director Joe Savage said: "Beni, we're just giving him time to come back and find his feet. Beni is a good player, everyone can see that. When he plays he is very, very good. He is someone we are going to speak with. I had an initial conversation with his agent so there is something to be done with that.

"Craig Gordon, not spoken to him yet but again letting him recover. Get back from his injury and then I'm sure discussions will be had with him. The same with Craig Halkett. We are just letting Halks recover, get back to fitness, get back to where he thinks he can be at then take it from there.

"They are key players. I would be very, very stupid to say we wouldn't be having a conversation with them when the time is right to explore extending the contract because the one thing you need to do is keep the players you know can perform at the level and they three certainly can perform at this level for us."

READ MORE: Hearts legend Craig Gordon on his quest to master goalkeeping