Hibernian boss Mixu Paatelainen has hinted that the club are finally ready to strengthen their team with new signings ahead of the new season.The Hibs manager claimed there have been developments in his player search, and an announcement might be made before Thursday night's friendly against Barcelona at Murrayfield.

The Finn has only added full-back David van Zanten to his squad from last season, although former Chelsea midfielder Joe Keenan and ex-Gretna forward Fabian Yantorno have been training with the Edinburgh club.

With Guillaume Beuzelin having swapped Easter Road for Coventry, Hibs fans are keen to see more players arrive in Leith.

Paatelainen said: "There have been developments and hopefully soon we can make some announcements."

The former Hibs striker refused to confirm whether Hibs were competing with Kilmarnock for the signature of former Aberdeen striker Steve Lovell.

"There is plenty of speculation about players leaving and players coming in," he told BBC Scotland.

"There is no point talking about anything before it is done."

Some supporters were concerned by the 4-0 aggregate defeat by Swedish side Elfsborg in the Intertoto Cup, despite the early stage Hibs were at in their pre-season programme.

Paatelainen stressed Hibs are better prepared for the Murrayfield clash against Barcelona.

"We are better off in terms of match-fitness, we are better off in terms of a tactical plan," he said.

"The boys are very sharp and looking forward to it."

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