Robbie Neilson reveals Hearts transfer plans but concedes summer business may hinge on European guarantee

Robbie Neilson admits Hearts are planning to "bulk up" their squad in the summer transfer window.

But he admits fans might need to be patient in the wait for signings - unless they win the Scottish Cup and guarantee group stage European football next season.

The Jambos are all-but guaranteed to be playing European football at some stage next term. They are virtually mathematically secure of third spot and that means they would go into the third round of Europa Conference League qualifying.

That would see them stand two wins away from going into the group stage of European football's third tier.

An alternative route into European competition would come through winning the Scottish Cup, however. Scotland's cup winners go into the playoff round of the Europa League, where even a defeat would see them parachute into the Conference League group stage.

The Jambos face Hibs at Hampden later this month in a blockbuster derby and they're hoping to set up a return trip to face the winner of Celtic vs Rangers.

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And a realistic Neilson admits going all the way for the first time since 2012 would be a huge boost in his bid to add to the squad.

He said: “We need to bulk it up a wee bit. We spoke about that and