Ryan Stevenson asks to leave Hearts

Stevenson won a call-up to the Scotland squad earlier this season

Hearts player Ryan Stevenson has informed manager Paulo Sergio that he will not be back at the club until he gets paid, BBC Scotland has learned.

Stevenson has asked the club to terminate his contract but they have refused his request.

Bristol City have been strongly linked with the 27-year-old.

But Robins manager Derek McInnes told BBC Radio Scotland: "I tried to sign Ryan when I was with St Johnstone but he's not what I need right now."

McInnes, who looks certain to lose top-scorer Nicky Maynard next month, also distanced himself from a move for former Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is a free agent, having left Turkish side Eskisehirspor.

Stevenson joined Hearts in January 2010 and has played as a midfielder and striker over the past two years. His current contract ends at the end of the season.

He has scored four times during this campaign and found the net on seven occasions last term.

Several players have left Hearts in recent times amid problems of delayed wage payments.

Eggert Jonsson has agreed to join Wolves in January, while others have agreed exits from the Edinburgh club.

Goalkeeper Janos Balogh left the club with immediate effect earlier this month and striker Calum Elliot has agreed a January exit.

Winger Andrew Driver has also expressed a desire to leave before his contract is due to expire.