8 players Hearts could target for transfers after three priority positions revealed

Hearts have clearly been planning ahead for next season with Yan Dhanda, Blair Spittal and James Penrice already signed up.

But Steven Naismith won't be stopping there and it was reported this week the Jam Tarts are now looking at a right-back, a defensive midfielder and a forward. The right side of the defence has been a problem position for some time now and they will look to solve that this summer.

In midfield, Beni Baningime looks set to move and will need replaced and while the Jambos will be hoping Lawrence Shankland stays but another option up there will be needed. If the star man does end up leaving, then they'd likely push the boat out a bit further for a first pick rather than a back-up.

Here are some options floated for the three positions.

Ryan Strain (Right-back, St Mirren)

The St Mirren man has long been mentioned for Hearts as right-back has been a problem position for some time. Strangely pays back-up to Nathaniel Atkinson for Australia despite having looked better in Scottish football.

Danny McNamara (Right-back, Millwall)

The Millwall right-back showed how god a player he is during a loan spell up here with St Johnstone. Has been in and out of the Lions side this year and enjoying a more regular run recently, out of position at left back. Contract is up in the summer.

Calvin Ramsay (Right-back, Bolton on loan from Liverpool)

Another option for the right-back position could be the former Aberdeen starlet. Anyone who hasn't been following his career since he left Pittodrie for Liverpool would perhaps be surprised by that. But a loan at Preston didn't go according to plan, with injuries playing a part. He's since been at Bolton and barely kicked a ball. If he's to go out on loan again next year it needs to be somewhere he will play.

Allan Campbell (Midfielder, Millwall on loan from Luton)

Another who left the SPFL for England but could be attainable for a return. The ex-Motherwell Rottweiler initially flourished at Luton and helped them to promotion to the Premier League. But was then surplus to requirements and loaned to Millwall but hasn't featured as much as he would like there. Likely to be another loan if anything is doable given the wages he could be on.

Daniel Phillips (Midfielder, St Johnstone)

Hearts and Naismith have shown a desire to shop in the free agent market in Scotland having snapped up Yan Dhanda, Blair Spittal and James Penrice. St Johnstone midfielder Phillips could be next if they want to to continue with that strategy.

Shayne Lavery (Striker, Blackpool)

The former Falkirk loanee is now with Blackpool and has scored goals in the Championship for them. Just the five in League One this season but perhaps a back-up option if Lawrence Shankland was to stay.

Ruel Sotiriou (Striker, Leyton Orient)

11 goals in League One for Leyton Orient this season. The 23-year-old Cypriot has just become an international with his first cap in March. In talks with Orient over a new deal so if there is any interest it would need to be done soon.

Enzo Cabrera (Striker, Ethnikos Achna on loan from Newell's Old Boys)

One from left-field here is the Argentine playing on loan in Cyprus with Ethnikos Achna from Newell's Old Boys in his homeland, scoring 17 league goals. Previously had a decent loan spell with Maltese side Birkirkara, a name which will send shivers done the spines of Jambos!