Hearts are waiting for the English and European transfer markets to wake up before their recruitment gets going again.
Robbie Neilson has added three players to his squad ahead of the 2021/22 Premiership season so far.
Ross Stewart has signed on a permanent deal after bing on loan from Livingston, ditto Josh Ginnelly from Preston North End.
Alex Cochrane has joined on a season-long loan from Brighton but that’s been the extent of the arrivals ahead of Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup opener against Peterhead.
Additional targets are being worked on though, with Neilson and sporting director Joe Savage keeping their eyes on who’s available in England and overseas as they plot further Hearts moves.
A centre back, creative midfielder and a striker are understood to be the areas being targeted.
“I'm quite pleased with how the team is shaping up just now,” Neilson told the Edinburgh Evening News. “I've said all along that we're still looking to add to it. There are a couple we are still working on and they just take a bit of time to get there.
“A lot of players down in England and abroad are just coming back or maybe aren't even back in training yet. It's still very early.
“Although we are back and our competitive games are now starting, most of the other countries aren't back yet or they're only in their first week. It's the nature of having the Premier Sports Cup so early.
“Everyone wants to get their business done early but sometimes you need to wait. We know where we need to strengthen. It's just getting them in.”
