Ivan Sproule poised to remain with Hibs

Sproule has been linked with a move to St Johnstone this summer, with Perth manager Steve Lomas confirming his interest in his Northern Ireland compatriot earlier this week. Lomas is keen on the 31-year-old as a possible replacement for Lee Croft, who has been transfer-listed by Derby County following his return from a loan spell at McDiarmid Park. However, Sproule is under contract with Hibs for a further 12 months and, having turned out 42 times for the Easter Road side in his first season back at Easter Road since a £500,000 move to Bristol City in 2007, looks set to remain part of Pat Fenlon’s squad for next term.

Clive Hart, Sproule’s representative, said: “Ivan still has another year left at Hibs and will be back there next season.

“He was involved in virtually every game this season and there are no plans to talk with Pat Fenlon or Hibs about his future at the club.”

Sproule made his name in the capital following his modest £5,000 signing in January 2005 as an unknown from part-time football in Northern Ireland, with a hat-trick at Ibrox cementing his place in Hibernian folklore.

Meanhile, defender George Francomb has signed a new one-year deal with Norwich.

The 20-year-old right-back spent six months on loan at Hibs last season and is now targeting a more prominent role at Carrow Road. He said: “I’ve had half a season up at Hibs and now I’m back I can’t wait to get on with pre-season.

“It was brilliant for me to play up at Hibs – it was a completely different environment.”