Robbie Neilson looks to strengthen Hearts squad early on in next transfer window
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 have interest from 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."
Neilson will also look to the future when Hearts take on County, although he insists Hearts cannot slack off despite knowing they will finish third in the Premiership.
"Playing at Tynecastle in front of a full house, there is no room for complacency and the players know that," he said.
"The most important thing is to win these next three games but I'd like to try and get some of the guys some game time. There are guys I think will have big futures with us and this is a chance to put them in."
Hearts defender Igor Rossi is out for the season after failing to rid himself of a groin problem. Hearts will take no risks with the injury and have decided to make sure he is fit for their European campaign.
Blazej Augustyn has been struggling with a back problem but could still face Ross County.
Ross County boss Jim McIntyre wants to finish the season with a win over Hearts after three "strange" meetings so far this term.
The Jambos have come out on top in all their Premiership encounters in this campaign, the most recent a 3-0 win in Dingwall in February.
Ahead of the trip to Tynecastle on Saturday, McIntyre claimed his side could have taken something from the matches and is looking to make sure they do this time.
He said: "The challenge for us is to go and put on a good performance and try to win the game.
"Hearts is a team that we have not beaten this season and we want to try to rectify that.
"The games have been very close, they have been quite strange games actually because we have been practically in every one of them.
"The strangest one being the last one, the 3-0 game where we made good opportunities but didn't take them.
"What Hearts have shown this season is that when they take the lead, how difficult they are to peg back.
"That is a good quality to have, something that we need to become better at. That first goal is important, especially when you play against the top sides."
Ross County have no fresh injury worries with defender Richard Foster is out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing groin surgery.
Forward Craig Curran (concussion) remains out for the Staggies.
Source: PAR
