Hibs to sign another young defender as Manchester United put brakes on Will Fish loan deal

Hibs are closing in on a new defensive signing but it won’t be Will Fish.

The Manchester United centre-back remains a target, with the Easter Road club still confident that he will return for a second loan spell, but they are also eyeing up the arrival of another youngster, with development potential, who can offer manager Lee Johnson further options at the back.

The Premiership club are expected to have that deal concluded within the next 24 hours.

A player who has had first-team experience in the English League Two, and offers a threat from set pieces, Johnson does not envisage relying too heavily on the newcomer in the early part of the season but will instead introduce him gradually, as he adapts the the different demands of football in the Scottish top flight.

Hibs face a waiting game over the return of Will Fish on loan from Manchester United - but another young defender is set to sign. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

That was an approach that worked well for Fish last term. The Old Trafford loanee was a slow burner but ended the season on a high and fans, management and the player himself are keen for a reprise.

The arrangement was close to being rubber-stamped but it appears Hibs will have to be patient as Erik ten Hag has applied the brakes. With so many pre-season fixtures to fulfil, including friendlies in the USA, the 20-year-old is unlikely to be released on another season-long loan until next month, meaning he could miss the first Europa Conference League tie.

Rocky Bushiri will be available for those European matches, but the former Norwich man is banned for the opening two Premiership fixtures so work is ongoing to ensure that Fish will be on board for the start of the league campaign.