Hibs eyeing move for Norwich City defender Rocky Bushiri

Rocky Bushiri pictured in action for STVV during a match against KV Mechelen

The Evening News understands that initial talks have taken place over a loan deal, with the Easter Road side also exploring the possibility of a loan-then-permanent arrangement similar to the Ewan Henderson deal.

Belgian-born Bushiri is a centre-back comfortable playing in a back three or a back four. He began his career in his homeland with Oostende, joined the Canaries in 2019, and has also had loan spells at Eupen, Blackpool, Sint-Truiden and Mechelen.

Bushiri is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Carrow Road side. A proposed loan move to Coventry last summer failed to materialise but Sky Blues boss Mark Robins praised the centre-back, describing him as “very, very quick and very powerful, but raw and rash at times.”

Norwich loans chief Neil Adams said in May last year: “Rocky has played for the Belgium under-21 team and had some fantastic performances against some big teams.

“They beat Germany who were regarded as the best under-21 team at that time [in 2020] and Rocky was man-of-the-match.

“He has been unfortunate with injuries and that has been frustrating for us and him.”

Bushiri has also been capped by Belgium at Under-19 level and shared a pitch with former Hibs midfielder Stephane Omeonga while on international duty.

Maloney is keen to add further bodies to his squad, particularly in his backline, with Harry Clarke already added to the squad on an 18-month loan deal.