Hibs close to getting their man as Chris Cadden deal expected to be finalised in next 24 hours

Hibs are inching closer to the signing of former Motherwell player Chris Cadden but it is unlikely that the deal will be signed off on tonight.

Former Motherwell player Chris Cadden is poised to finally wrap up his return to the Scottish Premiership by joining Hibs. Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group

With fine details still to be rubber stamped, the 24-year-old, who offers Hibs competition on the right flank, in defence and midfield, and in the centre of the park, is instead expected to complete his return to Scottish football tomorrow, following an 18-month spell on the books of MLS champions Columbus Crew.

It is understood that the Leith club had hoped to conclude matters last week but negotiations with his US employers have taken longer than expected and Cadden, who rose up through the Motherwell youth ranks to make over 130 appearances for the Fir Park side, will have to wait to wrap up his return to the Scottish top flight.

Having joined Columbus Crew in the summer of 2019, the Ohio-based franchise opted to immediately loan the Scot out to English League One side Oxford United for the second half of 2019. It proved a successful spell as he made 23 appearances, before returning to the US in time for the 2020 MLS season.

The team finished third in the Eastern Conference before going on a successful run in the play-offs and then defeating Seattle Sounders in the final to lift the MLS Cup but Cadden did not feature as frequently as anticipated throughout the season and, after just nine appearances, he is keen to start afresh, back in the UK.

The twice-capped Scot is expected to be Hibs manager Jack Ross’ third signing of this transfer window, joining former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Macey, who made a strong debut in Monday’s 1-1 draw with Celtic, and 34-times capped Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine, who could feature against Kilmarnock at Easter Road this weekend.

They join a squad intent on getting back to winning ways in the Premiership after picking up just one point from 12 in their last four games. But, after a positive start to the season, the team remain fourth in the table and contenders for a European place. They also have a League Cup semi-final to look forward to at Hampden next Saturday.

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