Ron Gordon is set to step up his search for the new Hibs boss this week with crunch talks planned with the board at Easter Road.
The American owner was in Edinburgh for Saturday’s low key draw with Aberdeen but is ready to ramp up the recruitment process in the next few days.
Derek McInnes has shot to the top of the list of bookies favourites to land the gig on the back of his promotion success with Kilmarnock.
Record Sport understands the former Aberdeen boss will be discussed by Easter Road chiefs – but there has not yet been any formal approach to Rugby Park.
There are also no guarantees McInnes will jump ship after steering Killie back to the top flight and forging a solid working relationship with Ayrshire supremo Billy Bowie.
Ross County’s Malky Mackay is also believed to be under consideration but the Staggies boss is currently focused on the Highlanders making a late push to qualify for Europe.
Gordon has been in talks with contacts in England in recent weeks having been sounded out Man United legend Roy Keane as well as experienced EFL bosses Darren Ferguson and Michael Appleton.
The American is also looking at the foreign market but won’t rule out making an appointment from closer to home as he bids to get Hibs back on track after a woeful campaign that’s cost two managers their jobs.
Jack Ross was punted last October despite leading the club to the Premier Sports Cup Final, while replacement Shaun Maloney lasted just 19 games as the side tumbled in to the bottom half of the table after the split.
It is understood Gordon is looking for a safe pair of hands after gambling on a young manager with potential but he’s willing to take time in making a move with Hibees legend David Gray remaining in temporary charge until the end of term.
