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 guarantee group stage European football through the Scottish Cup.
The Jambos are all-but sure 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.
However if they win the cup, the bare minimum for Hearts will be Conference League football through to November. That's because they would go into the Europa League playoff round, from which the loser parachutes straight into the competition below.
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.
They don't even need to win the cup themselves to make the Europa League playoff round as third place would be enough provided if one of Celtic or Rangers, who go into the Champions League path through their current league positions, lift the cup.
And a realistic Neilson admits that 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 will probably add more numbers to the group. It will all depend on how the season finishes for us.
"If we can guarantee Europe then we can invest a bit more. If we have to go through a qualifier, we will need to wait. There are still ifs and buts."
Hearts are set to lose John Souttar in the summer and he's among six players whose contracts or loans are set to expire in the summer.
Souttar is currently on the sidelines with injury but Neilson is hopeful to have him back before the end of the season.
He also says Cammy Devlin is on the verge of a return while he hopes Michael Smith will be back for the Premiership derby with Hibs in a week's time.
It means Beni Baningime is the only Jambos star whose season is definitely over.
Neilson went on: “I think Cammy is back running this week. Michael might be this week, maybe the following.
"We’re still hopeful we can get John back before the end of the season. Whether we get him back for the derbies against Hibs we’re unsure.”
