The Scotland striker, 32, spent the last 18 months on loan at Tynecastle, scoring 18 times in 48 appearances.

Despite undergoing two knee operations last season, Naismith was Hearts' top scorer with 14 goals in 27 games.

"I'll see out my playing days here at Hearts. That was something for me to think about," Naismith said.

"To be honest, in my 18 months here that has been my mindset. Hearts like what I bring and I like what Hearts bring to me and it will develop as the years go on.

"At this stage of your career you do need to think about what you want to do in the game, or what you want to do in the time remaining as a player, so that took a bit of time with making my decision."

Naismith, who has 49 caps for Scotland, has been training with Craig Levein's team this summer as he concluded contractual issues after leaving Norwich.

The forward joined Norwich from Everton for £8.5m in January 2016 and previously made more than 100 appearances for both Rangers and Kilmarnock.

He last played in February and, having worked his way back to fitness after a second knee operation in five months, is eager to "to continue where I left off".

Hearts start their Scottish Premiership campaign in Aberdeen on Sunday.