Robbie Neilson has opened up on Hearts' transfer pursuit of a new striker as he admitted to being 'pushed down the pecking order'.
The Jambos have been busy in the transfer market this summer adding the likes of Alan Forrest, Kye Rowles, Lewis Neilson, Alex Cochrane and Jorge Grant but following the loan departures of Ellis Simms and Ben Woodburn, bodies in the attacking third, particularly a striker, are of priority to the Tynecastle boss.
Liam Boyce and Euan Henderson are on the books at the capital club which gives Neilson options but he admits he does want another in the door. He would love a return for Simms while his former Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland is another name who has been mentioned over the summer. Hearts have a big season ahead with domestic and guaranteed European group stage football to juggle after a stunning season last time out. They finished third behind Celtic and Rangers and reached the Scottish Cup Final.
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READ MORE: Ellis Simms Hearts transfer latest as Rangers join Jambos in Everton striker hunt
Neilson has actively spoken of his desire to add depth to his squad by increasing the number of first-team players ahead of the new campaign. With clubs in England and across Europe starting to return to training and looking at making additions it has moved Hearts down the signing chain.
Speaking after the friendly win over Spartans, he said: "We are still trying but it is quite difficult.
"We have had a few in but they have not been quite what we are looking for.
"Teams are starting to come back in England and abroad and they are looking to sign people so we are pushed down the pecking order.
“It is difficult in every window because everyone wants a striker so it is hard.
"We have Boycey here and we have Hendo here so we have options but we do want another one as well. We will get one for sure but we have to see what comes up."
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