Hibs draw up a transfer target list as they look to strengthen ahead of new season

Disappointment in last weekend’s Scottish Cup final means that the Easter Road club will embark on their Europa Conference League adventure on July 22, with a second qualifying round tie. That is just nine days before the SPFL league fixtures get underway.

And, while they cannot predict exactly who of the current squad will return for pre-season, with speculation linking several of them with big-money moves and Jackson Irvine still mulling over the offer of a new contract, manager Jack Ross has drawn up a shopping list and tasked Sporting Director Graeme Mathie and the Easter Road board with landing as many targets as possible.

The Leith club have given themselves high standards to live up to by ending the season in third place - their highest finish in 16 years - and followed up three successive cup semi finals with a spot in the Scottish Cup final. But, they failed to sate their desire for silverware, giving themselves plenty to work towards when the new term kicks off.

Hibs manager Jack Ross (right) has made his signing targets known and tasked sporting director Graeme Mathie (left) with trying to bring them to Easter Road. Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group

They have already completed some early business, addressing the goalkeeping situation by tying Matt Macey up on a new deal and enlisting Scotland U-21 winger Daniel Mackay from Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a four-year deal.

They will also be bolstered by the anticipated return of playmaker Scott Allan and Chris Cadden, who are on the road back from illness and injury but both Ross and owner Ron Gordon have made it clear that they will need to strengthen if they intend to build momentum heading into the new campaign.

There is an acceptance that a few of their key players will, undoubtedly, be the subject of bids this summer, although there is no certainty that all will be allowed to leave.

As it stands, the only approaches made have been from newly-promoted English Premier League side Watford, who remain keen on luring Josh Doig.

The initial figures discussed were rejected, with the Leith side waiting to see if they will return with an improved proposal that would force them and the teenger to make decision.

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