Former Hibs striker Marc McNulty linked with move back to Scottish Premiership

Hibs striker Marc McNulty challenges Hearts defender Sean Clare during the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road on March 3, 2020. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Former Hibs striker Marc McNulty has emerged as a target for Scottish Premiership rivals Dundee United.

The Reading front man, who had loan spells at Easter Road in each of the last two seasons, has struggled to nail down a first team place at the Championship club since moving from Coventry City in 2018.

And according the Courier, United boss Mickey Mellon is keen to bring the twice capped Scotland striker to Tannadice on a season-long loan move that would see him link-up with fellow international Lawrence Shankland.

United are understood to face competition for the 28-year-old, who also has suitors in League One in England, where he scored 28 goals in one season for Coventry, prompting Reading to pay a £1 million transfer fee for him.

McNulty has made two appearances for the Royals this term, both in the Carabao Cup, but hasn’t yet made a league appearance this season.

His first loan move to Easter Road in January 2019 proved successful as McNulty scored eight times in 13 starts, culminating in a first Scotland call-up, although his second spell last term was cut short by coronavirus after four goals in eight appearances.

Speaking of his second Hibs spell back in August, McNulty said: “I didn't set the heather alight straight away like I did during my previous spell with the club, so it was frustrating that I didn't really get to show what I'd shown the last time.

“I'm confident that I would have shown that by the end of the season. What's happened has happened, but it does feel a bit like unfinished business.”