Beni Baningime admits Hearts future 'complicated' as he explains big decision he faces over next step

Football or family. That’s the decision Beni Baningime has to make when weighing up his Hearts future.

The Tynecastle midfielder is out of contract this summer and free to speak to other clubs. There’s a Jambos contract on the table, with gaffer Steven Naismith desperate to keep the former Everton youngster. And if it was purely down to playing, Baningime would have already signed on the dotted line.

After missing out on European football through injury last season he wants a crack at it next term, with Hearts virtually guaranteed the Premiership’s third spot. And in a week that will have seen the club take on Rangers, Celtic and derby rivals Hibs, Baningime says he thrives in Scotland’s biggest games. But it’s not as simple as that. The family he has grown up with are still in Wigan and he rarely gets a chance to visit. So with offers almost certain to come his way from England in the summer, the 25-year-old admits he has a huge call to make. And that’s why he has stalled on Hearts’ proposal.

As he prepared for Sunday’s clash with Celtic in Gorgie, Baningime said: “In terms of my future, it’s complicated. There’s a contract on the table but I’m just trying to concentrate on football right now.

“I’m happy at Hearts, I love it here. I missed Europe because I was injured so that is an incentive for me. And I know the gaffer and everyone here wants me to stay. But I need to speak to my family who are down south – there are a lot of things to consider.

“I’m a single guy but I’ve always lived at home so coming here was a big thing for me. We are all very close. With every decision I make, I have to speak to them about it.

“Ultimately, the decision will be made but not right now. There isn’t a deadline. The club have said it’s