Isaiah Osbourne on verge of Hibs exit

Published on 18/07/2012 00:13

Isaiah Osbourne is poised to leave Hibernian for Blackpool this week, with negotiations at an advanced stage.

The 24-year-old has not joined up with the travelling Hibs party that arrived in the Netherlands yesterday for their pre-season training camp and the midfielder’s transfer is expected to be confirmed in the coming days. Osbourne has a year left on his contract at Easter Road and Hibs feel they are not in a position to reject any reasonable approach for the former Aston Villa youngster.

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon said: “There has been an offer for Isaiah and he is in discussions with one club. There could be movement with that soon.”

Despite the void which will be created at the heart of Fenlon’s midfield, it is understood there is no interest in former Motherwell player Ross Forbes, who has recently been on trial with Morton. The 23-year-old is a free agent after being released by the Fir Park side.

Meanwhile, Mark Brown could be edging closer to the Easter Road exit door after the out-of-contract goalkeeper did not report for Hibs’ pre-season tour. Instead, Brown remained in Edinburgh, with his agent 
still in talks with the club’s hierarchy over a new deal.

Hibs begin their tour of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany this evening when they travel to Herentals to face Belgian top-flight side Lierse SK.