Romanov asked to add six players

Stephen Frail spoke to Vladimir Romanov in Germany

Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov has been asked to sanction the addition of another six players to their large pool in the summer.

Assistant manager Stephen Frail revealed both he and head coach Anatoly Korobochka spoke to Romanov at the club's training camp in Germany.

"We see the need for five or six quality players," said Frail.

"I know what he wants. He knows what we need and he wants the club to be successful."

The meeting with Korobochka and Frail about team requirements for next season came at the request of the Lithuania-based Russian businessman.

"We had a good week together in Germany, although the full squad wasn't there," said Frail.

"We worked on a few things and there was an opportunity to speak to Mr Romanov.

We need the type of players who will excite the crowd Stephen Frail

"It is the first time I've had the chance to talk to him and we discussed who we should be targeting for next season and which players I want to stay.

"There are players we'd like to bring in and obviously there are finances to be considered, but hopefully he'll look at it.

"We have good young boys such as Calum Elliot.

"But he has maybe not done as well this season as last season when he was leading the line on his own on occasions.

"He's maybe had a reaction to that but we do need players to come in and help lads like him.

"There is quality here with others like Lee Wallace, Roman Bednar, Christophe Berra, Calum and Marius Zaliukas.

"But we need to add to that and Mr Romanov is well aware of that." Frail refused to go into detail about the players who have been identified as possible signings but admitted the team has been lacking flair.

"We need the type of players who will excite the crowd and sustain a league challenge and challenge the Old Firm every week and every season," he added.

"Planning has already started for next season. We need to have the players watched and make them an attractive proposition to come to Hearts."