Heart sporting director Joe Savage says an injury to Beni Baningime is likely to prompt a hunt for a new midfielder - while a centre-back and attacker may also come onto their radar.
Manager Robbie Neilson guided the Tynecastle club to third in the Premiership last season on top of a Scottish Cup final, and it's guaranteed Europa League or Europa Conference League group stage football. They will find out what competition they participate in at the conclusion of their EL play-off match against either Linfield or FC Zurich later this month.
It means that a larger Hearts squad is needed and after signing Alan Forrest, Kye Rowles, Lewis Neilson, Jorge Grant, Lawrence Shankland, and Alex Cochrane, more could arrive. Savage reckons Baningime won't be back until later this year, so a midfielder may be required, while a defence and attack are other areas mentioned. He said on This Is My Story podcast : "We’re keeping an eye on a few positions, potentially centre-back. We’re not quite sure, we might dip into that market, we might not.
READ MORE: Hearts Europa League playoff draw confirmed as Jambos discover first European opponents
"Probably another centre midfielder because Beni (Baningime) is probably not returning until December or January. Then we probably need another attacker.
"That's 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.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters f or more headlines straight to your inbox
"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."
READ NEXT:
- Hearts transfer update as Jambos keen on 'a few' players but Neilson sends 'take time' message
- Hearts injury update on Kingsley as Neilson predicts the Jambo destined for 'next level'
- Hearts transfer latest on Connor Ronan and Lee Seung-woo with futures addressed
- Three things we learned as Hearts ride Ross County storm to ensure opening day Tynecastle victory