HEARTS head coach Robbie Neilson is hoping to wrap up his transfer business early after opening talks with several targets – but accepts he might have to be patient.
Hearts begin their Europa League campaign on June 30 and Neilson would prefer to have new players on board by then.
Neilson, whose team host Ross County on Saturday, said: “We’re always looking for good players no matter what position, but there are three or four positions that I think we will need to strengthen.
“We have got targets and we have spoken to some players and are pretty well on with them. Whether we get them done in the next few weeks I don’t know, it’s always difficult.
“Good players interest a lot of clubs, but we will hopefully get them in early to prepare for next season.
“The window opens on June 9 so hopefully we bring them in because we are back on June 15.
“But it’s difficult to do it and towards the end of the transfer window is when a lot of good players become available because they have missed out on moves elsewhere.”
Hearts may have to do without Perry Kitchen for their early European games after he was named in a provisional 40-man United States squad for the Copa America, which takes place on June 3-26.
Jurgen Klinsmann will name his final squad on May 20 but Neilson would not complain if his recent signing made the final cut.
“We would be delighted if he did,” Neilson said. “He has managed to get in a 40-man squad which I think they then cut down to 23 or 24.
To have a player, not just at Hearts but in Scottish football, involved in the Copa America would be great.”
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