Hibernian made eleven new signings during the summer transfer window, six of whom started in Sunday's 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Kilmarnock. But could the Easter Road side look to bolster their squad by dipping into the free-agent market?

Sporting director Malky Mackay didn't say for definite that there would be further incomings after the arrivals of Kieron Bowie, Joe Bursik, Nicky Cadden, Marvin Ekpiteta, Junior Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Jack Iredale, Mykola Kukharevych, Warren O'Hora, Jordan Smith, and Nectar Triantis - but he did hint in an interview with the club's TV channel that Hibs could cast their eye over the list of out-of-contract players and see if there were any worth picking up, provided they tick the strict list of criteria laid out by the likes of head coach David Gray, Mackay, and the recruitment committee.

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"The free agents are becoming more and more prevalent every year because there are people finding themselves out of work, not in just September, but I think you'll find some of them out of work in October and November that will raise eyebrows about what their career used to be," Mackay said.

There have been two common factors in all the signings Hibs have made since David Gray took the reins: a certain type of character, and an upgrade on what was already in the building. The head coach was consistent in his messaging throughout the window that players would only be signed if they were the right fit for the club and the dressing room. 

But with the window closed, and the only deadline-day signings made by Hibs being the return of Nectar Triantis to bolster midfield options, and the addition of Jack Iredale to provide depth and competition at left-back and centre-back, it's not outwith the realms of possibility that there could be further incomings in the near future. 

At this stage, a return for Emiliano Marcondes, who spent the second half of last season at Easter Road, looks unlikely despite the Dane remaining without a club following his release by Bournemouth.

Instead, any free agents that do catch Hibs' eye will likely be strikers. 

Élie Youan remaining at Easter Road provides an extra dimension in attack; or at least he will once he returns to match fitness. But it's notable that of the six attackers in the first-team squad, only Kieron Bowie and Mykola Kukharevych could be regarded as centre-forwards. Both have similar styles in that they are physically strong with an eye for goal. Martin Boyle, Junior Hoilett, and Youan are more used to playing out wide although all three have operated centrally either at Hibs or other clubs, and Harry McKirdy - yet to make a league appearance this season - can also drift between the wide areas and a more central beat. 

Dylan Vente's season-long loan move to PEC Zwolle potentially creates space in the attacking ranks for a different type of player. Although six attackers may already seem like plenty, Bowie and Kukharevych share similar qualities so there is scope to bring in a different profile of number nine - if there's anyone out there who fits the bill. But, as the club's hierarchy has maintained all summer, no one will be signed for the sake of it. 

A quick glance at the list of current free agents throws up some interesting prospects but wages have to be taken into consideration as well, and club chiefs won't redistribute money set aside for Luke McCowan's transfer fee and bust the club's wage structure.

"We will look to see who is still out there but it has got to be right for the club, as we are not going to bring someone in just to top up their pension. We will make sure that the person who comes in absolutely makes a difference to our football club," Mackay told HibsTV.

Even for Gray, who has just completed his first transfer window as head coach, the work doesn't stop. He has said on more than one occasion that he is happy with where the squad is in terms of personnel and fitness levels, even if it's 'not quite there'. The international break provides ample opportunity for those nursing knocks to recover, and those needing a break to get a rest, but the head coach is confident the group is heading in the right direction.

"You're always looking at the squad and variables. But the players we would add would have to be technically better than what we've got, or at least have attributes that we're missing in the squad to improve the group," he added. 

It remains to be seen if Hibs do dip into the free-agent market but one thing is for certain - if they do, it won't just be someone to make up the numbers; it will be someone willing to compete and contribute.