Neilson was keen to add a winger, a striker and a back-up right-back to provide competition to Michael Smith after Jamie Brandon’s season-ending injury. Plans changed during the window with Olly Lee departing for Gillingham and then an injury to Josh Ginnelly which also ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
The Championship league leaders did some early business in the window with the signing of Gary Mackay-Steven, beating off interest from elsewhere. And a striker was added to the squad in the shape of Armand Gnanduillet after the pursuit of Elijah Adebayo.
On transfer deadline day Gervane Kastaneer was signed on loan from Coventry City to replace Ginnelly with a six-figure fee being spent on Irish midfielder Aaron McEneff.
Exiting the club were Lewis Moore and Jordan Robert on loan to Arbroath and Motherwell respectively.
Hearts have come out of the window in a stronger position than they went into it regarding the make-up of the squad. There is plenty of competition for places with pressure being put on some players who started the season.
It will provide Neilson with plenty of choice and options, both in terms of personnel and system. While he has largely played a variation of 4-3-3, the manger has spoken previously of playing a 4-4-2.
How could the Hearts starting XI look?
1. GK - Craig Gordon
Showed his class once more in the win over Dunfermline. One of the best goalkeepers in Scotland. Photo: Bruce White - SNS Group
2. RB - Michael Smith
Signed a new deal, remains Mr Consistent, a fan favourite and few other right-back options. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
3. CB - Mihai Popescu
Has won back his position at centre-back following an injury to Christophe Berra. Back-to-back clean sheets including a positive performance against Raith Rovers. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
4. CB - Craig Halkett
Has been a constant in the team so far and solid in the past two outings. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group