Harry Stone is expected to leave Heart of Midlothian on loan to continue his development.

The 22-year-old spent last season with Queen of the South in League One, making 27 appearances and his performances earned him a supporters' award at the end of the campaign.

Hearts Standard understands there is interest from clubs in the Championship. It will allow Stone to play first-team football having broken through the 50-game barrier during his time with the Doonhamers.

READ MORE: How loans, psychologist and hard work are making Harry Stone a better goalkeeper

Hearts have two experienced goalkeepers in Zander Clark and Craig Gordon who will battle it out for the No.1 spot. The club are set to sign Ryan Fulton to replace Michael McGovern as third-choice.

It will be Stone's seventh loan spell. He had short stints with The Spartans and Stirling Albion as well as two spells with Albion Rovers. He has experienced the Championship before, spending half a season with Partick Thistle.

Stone extended his Tynecastle Park contract until 2025 during the season and it is understood he will likely sign a further extension ahead of any move.

Speaking to Hearts Standard earlier this campaign, the goalkeeper expressed the importance of getting first-team minutes.

"Playing is the most important thing for a goalkeeper, no matter what level," he said. "I feel wherever I’ve played I’ve managed to further my career which is a positive thing. Partick was one where I didn’t end up playing and came out and went on loan back to Albion Rovers. Setbacks like that happen but playing was the most important thing and that’s what it was this season after Mick McGovern signed. Naisy spoke to me and said if I can get a whole season under my belt that will do really good things for my experience and my career."