Hearts outline summer signing policy with recruitment update

Hearts are focused on signing quality over quantity this summer after identifying areas of their squad which need strengthened.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson with assistant Lee McCulloch.

Manager Robbie Neilson and sporting director Joe Savage are working on a list of targets to complement the talent already at Riccarton. They hope to make several signings over the coming weeks ahead of the club’s return to the Scottish Premiership.

Centre-back is regarded a key area following the departure of the experienced Christophe Berra, who has signed a pre-contract to join Raith Rovers. A creative midfielder is also sought regardless of whether Andy Irving signs the new deal on offer from Hearts.

Neilson also wants to improve in attack with a winger is likely to feature highly on the priority list following confirmation of Elliott Frear’s departure.

KIRCALDY, SCOTLAND - APRIL 30: Hearts manager Robbie Neilson during a Scottish Championship match between Raith Rovers and Hearts at Starks Park, on April 30, 2021, in Kircaldy, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

Hearts officials don’t want to rush into signings after mistakes were made in previous years, but they will move quickly for the right type of player.

“There are a few positions we are looking at,” Neilson told the Evening News. “We need to strengthen in defensive areas and the midfield as well. Then we will look to attacking areas. There are a few places where we need to improve.

"We do have a good squad but any team that is stepping up a division needs to add. We want to add to the quality that is already in the team. We are looking to see what's out there and there are a few players we are interested in.

"It's very early days in the market so we will wait and see what comes up.”

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