Hearts manager Robbie Neilson to cut squad size if he wants to sign a new striker

First-team pool too big and movement likely before window shuts

Robbie Neilson feels Hearts' squad is too big.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson is considering signing another striker if he can further reduce the size of his squad before the transfer window closes on October 5.

With Conor Washington sold to Charlton and Uche Ikpeazu joining Wycombe Wanderers, Hearts find themselves minus two experienced forwards.

Neilson told the Evening News he is content with his attacking options for now but is contemplating reinforcing his strikeforce before competitive games begin.

In addition to Washington and Ikpeazu, midfielders Sean Clare and Callumn Morrison have also departed recently along with defender Bobby Burns. Teenage defender Aaron Hickey is edging towards a transfer to Bayern Munich.

Liam Boyce and Steven Naismith remain first-choices up front for Hearts, while Euan Henderson, Craig Wighton and new signing Jordan Roberts can all play through the middle.

A new recruit could arrive to add extra competition before the extended summer window shuts.

“For the moment I'm happy with what I've got. Depending on what happens later in the window, we'll probably have a look at someone just to add a bit to it. It just depends what happens with the rest of the squad,” said Neilson.

“One of our main objectives is to cut the squad down because it's a pretty big squad, probably too big. We want to get the numbers down and, as we do that, we will assess things continually.”

The manager still wants at least one and potentially two more wingers following the capture of Roberts as a free agent. Former Motherwell player Elliott Frear has been offered a contract.

Neilson is also looking to sign a central midfielder. “I am still looking to get a couple of players in the wide areas. We have Jordan Roberts in but I'd like to get a couple more and take it from there,” he added.

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