Hibs in transfer talks with Manchester United over Old Trafford talent as Red Devils raid eyed
Hibs are in talks to sign a player from Manchester United this summer transfer window.
Hibs are in talks with Premier League giants Manchester United over a season-long loan deal for midfielder Jacob Devaney.
The 19-year-old was captain of the Old Trafford side’s Premier League 2 team in the first half of last term before his loan to fellow Premiership side St Mirren. He made 18 appearances for the Buddies, including 16 starts, as he proved his ability at Scottish top flight level. Devaney has featured in Manchester United friendlies against Wrexham and Rosenborg this summer but is likely to need another loan to aid his goal of becoming an Old Trafford star.
Interest has mounted in Devaney but Hibs are now in talks over a deal. Will Fish previously impressed on loan from the Red Devils in Leith while Gray has an existing relationship with Darren Fletcher, a former teammate from his time at Man Utd, who is now their head of player development and coaching from U17s to U21s level. Hibs will hope a deal can be concluded as they prepare for a seismic Conference League play-off second leg against Gent next week although any new signings will not participate in the clash with their UEFA squad list submitted ahead of leg one. The tie stands at 0-0 after leg one in Belgium on Thursday night.
What is Jacob Devaney’s aim at Manchester United?
Speaking of his hopes down south, the Republic of Ireland youth international said earlier this summer: “I want to play first-team football, whether that be at Man United for the next year or not. The main aim and goal for me is to play for Man United week in, week out. So whether I have to go on loan again and gain more valuable experience like what I have done at St. Mirren, that’s what I’ll do, or whether that be in the building, learning from the best, which is here at Man United, so we’ll see what happens.”
Stephen Robinson, who brought the midfielder to St Mirren before becoming Aberdeen boss, raved about the midfielder's ability. He said: "Jacob gives us something that we haven't got. We haven't really replaced Caolan Boyd-Munce and with Keanu Baccus being injured we haven't had that link between defence and midfield in recent weeks.
"He's a really highly thought of young player at Manchester United so we're looking forward to getting him involved. He's been playing U21 football for Manchester United on a regular basis and with our injuries he could get thrown in at the deep end, but we believe he's got a mentality to handle that and is someone we feel can make an impact."
Devaney also described what fans can expect from him at the time of his St Mirren unveiling. He said: “I’m a hard-working midfielder. I cover a lot of distance, I do a bit at both ends defending and like to get forward as well. Something I’ve worked on this season is my finishing, scoring goals and getting assists and I’ve added that this year."