Hearts are in the transfer market for a pacey striker to compliment Lawrence Shankland.
Alan Forrest, Lewis Neilson, Kye Rowles, Alex Cochrane, Jorge Grant and Shankland have all arrived at Tynecastle as Robbie Neilson looks to build on a successful season last term ahead of their Europa League playoff tie against either Linfield or FC Zurich. The new number nine made the perfect start with two goals on his debut against Stoke City.
But sporting director Joe Savage admits that they still want a defender, midfielder and striker to increase their numbers but still add quality. Former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City midfielder Jacob Davenport is on trial in a bid to win a deal with the Jambos. South Korean star Lee Seung-woo has reportedly been offered a three-year deal with Hearts hopeful of securing his services from Suwon, although the player has yet to make a decision on where his future lies.
But it’s not the case that any type of player will do. Savage and Neilson are looking to add pace to the top end of the pitch and are seeking a striker who will offer pace in behind.
Another centre back is also on the list. Neilson favours a back three but wants another option in addition to Rowles, Neilson, Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley.
Beni Baningime won't be back until the New Year after suffering a knee ligament injury. Davenport could help plug that gap if he impresses during his training stint, but Savage insists the club are willing to be patient.
“We’re keeping an eye on a few positions, potentially centre-back,” he told the This Is My Story podcast. “We’re not quite sure, we might dip into that market, we might not, probably another centre midfielder because Beni (Baningime) is probably not returning until December, January.
“Then we probably need another attacker to help Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Alan Forrest, Liam Boyce, and Shanks. We maybe need somebody who is quick and runs away from the ball.
“We have to stress, we’ve been offered 101 players but if they’re not right for the system and not right for the style we won’t sign them. It’s quality over quantity, we need to wait, we need to be patient, and we will be patient and will wait for the right ones to come and I’m confident they’ll come and when they do come I’m confident they will improve us.
“This squad is now very, very strong, real competition and you can tell the players are looking over their shoulder thinking, ‘if I don’t perform I’m out the team’. We need to keep that and maintain that level of professionalism.”
READ NEXT
