Kenneth Vargas has criticised the level of Scottish football and suggested he wants to leave Heart of Midlothian in the near future.

The attacker was speaking while on international duty with Costa Rica and made the comments to broadcaster ESPN.

It is understood that the club will speak to the player once he returns to Tynecastle Park.

Vargas is contracted until 2029 but claims a clause in his deal allows him to make a move should an attractive offer come in.

And the eight-times capped 22-year-old has made it clear he's is looking to move to a grander stage than the Scottish Premiership.

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.”

Kenneth Vargas in action for Costa RicaKenneth Vargas in action for Costa Rica (Image: JOHN DURAN) And while Vargas is generally positive about Hearts, he's less complimentary about Scottish football's general standard.

Read more:

He said: "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."

And Vargas has no fears about the potential for Hearts' power brokers to be upset over his comments.

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

*The quotes in this article were translated by a Spanish speaking journalist