Two FBK Kaunas players joined on loan, and Spanish midfielder Ruben Palazuelos - who bought his way out of his contract with Gimnastica de Torrelavega - signed a four-year contract.

Slovenia Under-17 captain Matej Rapnik, a defender, also arrived on a two-year contract, however he will be introduced to the Scottish game through the under-19 league.

The Kaunas players are striker Ricardas Beniusis and left-winger Andrius Ksanavicius, both of whom look set for prominent roles at Tynecastle and could be involved in Monday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League derby against Hibernian.

However Palazuelos could prove the jewel of the four signings.

The skilful 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Greek side Aris Thessaloniki and secured a move away from his small Spanish club by buying out his contract.

Aris were reportedly keen to make him a permanent signing, but Palazuelos made a move to Scotland his priority when Hearts showed an interest.

Striker Beniusis, 27, had been promised a move to Hearts by Vladimir Romanov - the Hearts owner and Kaunas backer - once Kaunas were knocked out of the Champions League.

Their first-round defeat in qualifying to FK Zeta freed him to complete the switch to Tynecastle.

Targetman Beniusis scored for Kaunas in a training match against Hearts earlier this month, and has been capped 18 times by Lithuania. Ksanavicius, 30, is also a full Lithuania international.

The Kaunas pair and Palazuelos featured in Saturday's friendly against Barcelona at Murrayfield and did enough to convince the management team of Anatoly Korobochka and Stephen Frail that they should stay on.

The new quartet of signings join central midfield pair Michael Stewart and Laryea Kingston in securing deals with Hearts this summer.

Palazuelos told www.heartsfc.co.uk: "I am delighted to have joined Hearts.

"I was in Austria and Germany for the pre-season training camps and was impressed with the quality of the squad here.

"The Barcelona game was a great experience and hopefully I can help Hearts have more big European occasions while I am here.

"Hearts are a big club and I want to bring success to them."