Hearts summer transfer priorities revealed as Steven Naismith looks to add to pre-contracts

Steven Naismith has stressed that Hearts won’t be splashing the cash this summer despite their Euro cash bonanza. But they will still be looking to do strong business.

The third-placed Jambos have already moved to bolster their squad from a position of strength with the pre-contract signings of James Penrice (Livingston), Blair Spittal (Motherwell) and Yan Dhanda (Ross County). That certainly helps pad out the squad ahead of a gruelling group stage schedule in the Conference League or Europa League, and the three additions bring quality.

Naismith recently moved to quell expectations of a massive summer spending spree after securing that European money for a second time in three years. But that’s not to say the Tynecastle men will be stopping at the three signings and work is underway to look for more.

Football Scotland understands there are a number of positions they will be looking at this summer. Unsurprisingly, the priority will be at right-back/wing-back. It’s been a problem position since Michael Smith retired and neither Dexter Lembikisa and Nathaniel Atkinson fully convinced when playing there during the season just past.

Lembikisa’s loan from Wolves has ended and while Naismith didn’t rule out a return for the Jamaica international, it’s a position that is a priority for Jambos chiefs. With the boss usually flitting between a 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2, it’s an important position and anyone coming in needs to be able to switch between playing as a full-back and a wing-back.

The second priority for the club is a centre midfielder who can play in the ‘number six’ role. Beni Baningime has extended his contract after fears he would move on but there isn’t really anyone in place who can do the same job, so that will feature as part of the focus in the market. A right winger will also be sought to compete with the likes of Yutaro Oda and Kenneth Vargas.

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