JUANMA DELGADO, the new Hearts striker, admits he is convinced that Tynecastle can be a stepping stone to the Barclays Premier League after explaining how he made financial sacrifices to facilitate the move to Edinburgh.

The Spaniard signed a three-year deal with Robbie Neilson's side on Thursday, despite interest from English Championship side Bristol City, after negotiating a complex release from Greek side Kalloni.

The 24-year-old had shaken hands on a new one-year deal with Kalloni but to annul the contract, Delgado waived money he was due. The former Levante trainee also agreed to personally pay his old employers a compensation fee should he eventually move to one of the top four leagues (England, Germany, France and Italy) in Europe.

Describing himself like fellow countryman Fernando Torres, Delgado is not short of confidence and the 6ft 2in marksman believes Hearts is the ideal club to help him realise his dream.

"I'm convinced I can get there," Dalgado said. "I just want to start playing and scoring goals. I have no doubt I can reach the very top.

"I see Hearts as a great opportunity for myself to take a big step forward professionally.

Alan Stubbs, the Hibernian head coach, meanwhile, has confirmed that Sam Stanton and Danny Handling are free to look for opportunities away from Easter Road after confirming that the duo are likely to be bit-part players next season. Dundee have been credited with an interest in taking Stanton, who made just eight starts under Stubbs last term, to Dens Park on loan.

The 21-year-old made his senior debut in 2012 against Rangers and quickly emerged as a precocious young talent under former managers Pat Fenlon and Terry Butcher, earning a new four-year contract last April.

However, he has seen his progress stall in the last 12 months and Stubbs has made it clear that he does not see Stanton as one of his key players for the upcoming campaign. Handling, 21, was also handed a four-year deal last August but failed to make a major impact in Stubbs' first-team, scoring three times in 24 outings.

"The one thing I want to be is very honest with my players," Stubbs said. "We have stated to their agents - very early - that we cannot guarantee them place in the team.

"If they want to stay and fight for their place, then fantastic. But if they feel that they need to be playing week-in, week-out, then that is their prerogative. That is the current situation.

Hibs hope to complete the signing of a goalkeeper by Monday. Youth stopper Sean Brennan is currently the only keeper on the books at Easter Road after the expiry of Mark Oxley's loan and the release of Tomas Cerny and Kleton Perntreou. Oxley, who has now left Hull City permanently, and former Easter Road favourite Ben Williams have both been linked with returns to the club.

Elsewhere, Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon secured his seventh summer signing by snapping up former Partick Thistle midfielder James while Scotland under-21 Ryan Fraser is targeting a second successive promotion after joining Ipswich Town as part of Tyrone Mings' record-breaking switch to Bournemouth.