Focus remains on Premiership objectives but future planning at Hearts and Hibs will be underway across both sides of Edinburgh.
Summer rumours have already started at Hearts with French midfielder Tom Renaud on their radar. St Johnstone winger Josh McPake has signed a pre-contract at Tynecastle as they dip into the domestic market again, like they have with Blair Spittal, Alan Forrest, James Penrice and Yan Dhanda in recent seasons.
Hibs also haven’t been shy in shopping local with Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan two of their top stars, arriving from Aberdeen and Dundee respectively. With players at other clubs coming out of contract, with some holding compensation factors, here are 13 free agent candidates Hearts and Hibs could consider if they are looking to strengthen their ranks.
1. Ben Stanway (Partick Thistle)
The 21-year-old midfielder has already been linked with Aberdeen following his excellent displays at Maryhill. The youngster has added goals and assists the centre of the park, and has interest in his services from teams in the Scottish Premiership and Europe. Compensation potential in this one. | SNS Group
2. Ryan Strain (Dundee United)
Injuries a factor but the right-wing-back has showed his energetic style at St Mirren and Dundee United works aplenty in Scotland. | SNS Group
3. David Watson (Kilmarnock)
Captain of the Scotland U21s side, Watson is a previous winner of the SWFA Young Player of the Year award. He has been linked with a potential move to Celtic. with a high-energy, all-action style of play. Another one where compensation is likely to be a factor. | SNS Group
4. Leon McCann (Falkirk)
Falkirk full-back has come through the divisions at Bairns and adapted brilliantly at this level. Left-back been a problem position at times for Hibs this term and Hearts have also had square pegs in that area due to injuries. | (Photo: Paul Devlin/SNS Group)