Hibs are set to sign Manchester United centre-back Will Fish on a season-long loan deal while negotiations over a move for Swindon striker Harry McKirdy continue.
England U19 international Fish is Lee Johnson’s number one target as he looks to bolster his defence in the closing hours of the transfer window. Southampton stopper Dynel Simeu had been on the radar but after Fish became available the Easter Road boss turned his attention to the stopper who made his Red Devils debut in a 2-1 win over Wolves in May.
The 19-year-old came through United’s academy and spent the first six months of last season on loan at Stockport County. Lee Johnson has been on the lookout for defensive reinforcements ahead of the window closing tonight.
Rocky Bushiri, one of three natural centre-backs in the first-team squad, missed their defeat to St Mirren with an ankle injury and Johnson said after the game that there was "no question" they needed to make a signing or two before the deadline.
Hibs are confident of getting a deal for Fish over the line before the midnight deadline with Johnson eager to add to his defensive options after Rocky Bushiri was ruled out for a significant period through injury. However a move for McKirdy, who scored 24 goals for Swindon last season, remains in the balance with the two clubs still in negotiations.
The 25-year-old is understood to be keen on a switch to Leith and Johnson has freed up a wage after allowing Christian Doidge to move on loan to Kilmarnock for the remainder of the season. Another player who looks certain to be leaving on loan is Dylan Tait with Arbroath in the final stages of sealing a deal.
The 20-year-old midfielder has made only one top team appearance so far this season, as a sub in the 5-0 League Cup win over Clyde in July. Tait spent last season back on loan at Raith, scoring twice in 37 appearances for the Championship club. Now he is set to team up with fellow former Hibee Scott Allan at Gayfield as Dick Campbell looks for reinforcements to lift his side off the foot of the Championship.
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