Ex-Hibs man Arpinon looks to Easter Road for swap plan with Istres

Former Hibs midfielder Freddy Arpinon today confirmed he will return to Edinburgh this summer to open discussions with the Easter Road hierarchy over a player exchange initiative with his current club, French Ligue 2 side Istres.

Arpinon, signed by Alex McLeish a decade ago, was in Leith for two years before returning to his native south of France to conclude his playing days. Now assistant manager and technical director at Istres, he says will fly into the Capital soon for talks with Rod Petrie and Co about a two-way exchange of both clubs' best young players.

"Soon, I will speak to Rod, to meet him to propose a link with Istres," he said. "I would like a meeting in Edinburgh this summer to talk about a Hibs-Istres relationship. I think that Istres have a good academy for youngsters, and that could work well for Hibs."

A Hibs spokesman said: "We would be very happy to hear from Freddy and to hear what his proposals are."