Hibs line up top target to fill defensive gap - recruitment latest

Owen Bevan's quad injury resulted in his Hibs loan being cut short.

Hibs are ready to resurrect their interest in Bournemouth defender Owen Bevan as Malky Mackay looks to give the incoming manager a head start on squad building. And the new sporting director will be working closely with billionaire backer Bill Foley’s people to identify more potential signings from the Black Knight stable.

Axed boss Nick Montgomery was the prime driver of a January move for Wales Under-21 centre-half Bevan, whose inability to shake off a quad injury eventually scuppered his chances of heading north on a half-season loan. But Monty’s high opinion of the defender is shared by other key figures involved in recruitment at East Mains.

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Hibs are desperately short of central defenders, with club captain Paul Hanlon allowed to leave at the end of his contract and Will Fish weighing up his options after returning to parent club Manchester United, where he’s under contract for another year. Minority shareholder and Bournemouth owner Foley remains eager to provide Hibs with help in the transfer market, providing access to players not only at his Premier League club but French side FC Lorient, where he also holds a stake.

The Scottish transfer window doesn’t officially open until June 14. But, with Hibs reporting back for pre-season training just a week later, Mackay is eager to get business done early – including appointing a manager ready to hit the ground running.

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A goalkeeper and a striker are also on the shopping list for Hibs, who allowed former Scotland No. 1 David Marshall and veteran forward Adam Le Fondre leave at the end of the season. And they’re in the hunt for a winger to replace the threat of loan star Myziane Maolida, whose 11 goals in 17 starts weren’t enough to secure a top-six spot in the Scottish Premiership.