GAFFER Mixu Paatelainen believes qualifying for the UEFA Cup would help him attract top talent to Hibs.
The Finn is looking for three new players in the close season as he continues rebuilding at Easter Road.
But Mixu is targeting a third-place SPL finish to offer an incentive for bigger names to sign on.
He said: "If you take part in the UEFA Cup it helps attract players - and hopefully we can do it.
"But we must also reduce the size of our squad so a few will be leaving. That will depend on those coming in and their positions.
"I'd like a first-team pool of 25 - sufficient to cope with injuries and suspensions."