Hibs transfer update: Defender interest, goalkeeper on trial, talks with players

The latest transfer news and speculation around Hibs

Hibs are gearing up for a friendly with Dutch side Willem II on Friday as they step up their preparations for returning to action a week on Sunday when they travel to Championship leaders Dundee United in the Scottish Cup.

As of yet there will be no new faces amongst Jack Ross' squad with the club taking a measured approach to the transfer window.

The club's sporting director has, however, admitted that Hibs have been in talks with a "number of players".In addition, there has been speculation and links as well as former players on the move.

Adam Jackson has been linked with a move away. Picture: SNS

Adam Jackson interest

The centre-back signed by Paul Heckingbottom in the summer is a reported target of Bolton Wanderers.

Jackson has featured just once since the appointment of Ross and finds himself behind Ryan Porteous, Paul Hanlon and Darren McGregor. He has made four starts in the league all season.

The 25-year-old has experience of both the English Championship and League One. Bolton, who went into administration in May, are currently bottom of the latter having been hit with a 12-point deduction.

Curtis Anderson is on trial with the development team. Picture: SNS

Goalkeeper update

The goalkeeping position is one of intrigue at Easter Road, as it has been all season with Chris Maxwell, Ofir Marciano and Adam Bogdan.

Ross has confirmed that Maxwell looks likely to cut his loan deal from Preston North End short and leave Hibs this month.

Bogdan is out in Spain with the team but is currently not contracted to the club, his short-term deal having ended at the start of the month. The expectation is that a deal will be done to keep the Hungarian.

Curtis Anderson is on trial at Easter Road, but with the Development Squad, the Evening News can confirm.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper is a free agent after leaving Charlotte Independence of the USL Championship - the second tier of US football. He had previously been on the books at Manchester City, who paid £15,000 to recruit him from Blackpool when he was 11 years of age.

Anderson is a World Cup winner, helping England to win the U17 tournament in 2017.

Meanwhile, Jack Ross confirmed there is nothing in the speculation linking the club with ex-Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

Midfield recruit

The one area where there will most likely be business done is in midfield.

It is a position which Ross, and the fans, have discussed at lengths. Melker Hallberg is the only player in the squad who is seen as capable of fulfilling the defensive role at the base.

When asked last month if a more defensive-minded midfielder was on his wishlist, Ross replied: "Possibly".

He said: “At the moment he [Hallberg] is doing that role and I’ve been pleased with him in it, it’s just the depth within that position as well which we don’t really have any other of those types within the squad.”

Both Stevie Mallan and Josh Vela have been left behind as the squad train in Spain. The midfield duo have injuries which require further rehabilitation.

The severity of Mallan's injury may force Ross' hand in the transfer market.

Former players

Dylan McGeouch completed his move to Aberdeen earlier this week, much to the disappointment of Hibs fans.

The midfielder, recruited for Sunderland by Ross, signed a two-and-a-half year deal.

He said: “It means a lot knowing the manager (Derek McInnes) has been interested in me before. It was a big part of my decision to come up here.

“I have spoken to Derek a few times over the years, before I moved down south, he was on the phone trying to get me to sign for Aberdeen, but I had my heart set on going down to England.

“When I heard he was still interested I was delighted, and we are finally able to work together."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Glenn Middleton will move to Ross County.

The Rangers winger spent the first half of the season at Easter Road but saw his loan deal cut short.