Lawrence Shankland, Alan Forrest and many more: Hearts recruitment set to reach new levels

Domestic and European commitments will necessitate a bigger first-team squad than the 21 players carried this season and work is already underway to expand the numbers.

Talks have taken place with Forrest, the out-of-contract Livingston winger, while Hearts also covet the transfer of Beerschot’s Scotland international striker Shankland.

Sporting director Joe Savage and manager Robbie Neilson have a long list of potential targets for each position as they seek to augment a group which has indisputably restored the Edinburgh club as Scottish football’s third force.

Signings like Stephen Kingsley, Beni Baningime and Barrie McKay proved inspired during a memorable campaign which may yet climax in the Scottish Cup final. More of those types would be ideal as Hearts seek to add quality and improve squad depth.

As a result of this season’s achievements, they are guaranteed at least eight matches in European competition starting on August 18. Factor in the ambition to cement themselves in the Premiership’s top three, then try to challenge Celtic and Rangers, plus progress in the Premier Sports Cup, and the fixture list assumes a rather congested look.

Savage and Neilson are fully aware they require a bigger playing pool. They must also replace a number of outgoings at the same time, hence the total number of new arrivals is expected to reach double figures.

Shankland is a goalscorer well known to Neilson, who took him to Dundee United from Ayr United for free and helped develop him into an international forward. Last year’s move to Beerschot in a £1m deal hasn’t worked out but the Belgian club still want at least £500,000 to sell him right now.

Hearts won’t be paying that amount but, over the coming weeks, may attempt to