Csaba Laszlo fears losing Steven MacLean to Aberdeen and Izale McLeod to Peterborough because the Hearts board have not yet agreed to sign them.Both strikers had trial spells with Hearts, but Laszlo still does not know whether owner Vladimir Romanov or his hierarchy will secure them on loan.
"I gave my suggestions to the board and the new sporting director," said the Hearts manager.
"At the moment, we don't have anybody and hopefully he becomes somebody."
Aberdeen have confirmed that MacLean remains a target for manager Mark McGhee, although it appears that the 27-year-old would prefer a permanent move from Plymouth Argyle while the Scottish Premier League club can only finance a loan move.
Meanwhile, McLeod, presently with Charlton Athletic, has been quoted as saying that he cannot wait around for an answer from Hearts.
For me, the big problem will be if somebody is sold from the team and nobody comes as a replacement
Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo
"I have heard that Steven MacLean, he go to Aberdeen, while Izale McLeod to Peterborough," said Laszlo.
"Both are very good and very experienced players.
"Steven MacLean is an Edinburgh guy and wants to come here, but the market is free."
Hearts revived their interest in McLeod after failing to sign the former England Under-21 international, who joined Charlton from MK Dons for £1.1m in 2007, in the summer.
Laszlo did not think that going on a run of five games without defeat while relying on some young strikers should reduce the need for new signings.
"If you want to be better, you must bring competition and quality," said the manager.
"If you really have a problem up front, I must give my suggestions and do everything in my power to bring this team forward.
"Both players would come on loan with no financial risk as we can't buy any player for huge money and this is a short-term direction for us."
Laszlo looked at the example of Motherwell, who had brought in John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz from Everton, as examples of good players from Premier League clubs in England who could do a good job in Scotland's top flight.
The Hearts manager even fears the loss of players during the January transfer window.
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"For me, the big problem will be if somebody is sold from the team and nobody comes as a replacement," he said.
Aberdeen, who were also interested in Plymouth's former Motherwell wing-back Jim Paterson, are keen to add MacLean to their strike force after having scored only 13 goals in 17 league matches.
The 27-year-old former Scotland Under-21 forward, who has made only four appearances this season, started out at Rangers before moving to Scunthorpe United, where he scored 24 goals in 48 games.
He also spent three seasons at Sheffield Wednesday then a brief spell at Cardiff City before arriving at Home Park for £500,000 in January 2008.
Aberdeen were interested in securing MacLean and Paterson, who will be free to move in the summer, on pre-contract deals.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport