Rangers trialist Jorge Claros set for surprise Hibs switch

HIBERNIAN could be set to spring a transfer deadline surprise by picking up Rangers trialist Jorge Claros.

The Honduran international midfielder, nicknamed The Pitbull, has been in Scotland for the past two weeks on trial with the SPL champions.

However, in the first of what was to prove a string of confusing messages from the president of Claros’ Honduran club Motagua, Pedro Atala hit out at Rangers for making what he described as an “absurd” offer for Claros at the weekend then announced his player was due to sign for Hearts.

That seemed unlikely given the Tynecastle side’s well documented financial constraints, although Atala at that stage claimed Rangers were still in the picture.

He said: ““Jorge’s future should be sorted out soon and there is another club in Scotland who want him. The club is Hearts. We expect Rangers to speak with us again, but we know they have problems in their financial side.”

Later, however, Motagua stated that the player had agreed to sign for Hibs and was now awaiting a work permit.

The statement read: “Jorge Claros is staying in Scotland with Hibernian FC. He has trained with his new team and will sign pending a work permit.”

It is unclear yet whether the switch would be a loan move or a permanent one.

One player not coming to Easter Road, however, is Gavin Rae, who joined Aberdeen from Dundee yesterday.

Rae said: “I spoke to Hibs on Thursday and I was down at the training ground. But, between Hibs and Aberdeen, I was going to pick Aberdeen because I’m from here and wanted to play for them.”

He added: “Hopefully I’ll bring experience to the team.

“I just want to be part of a strong squad. There are a lot of good young players here and hopefully with a good blend we can push on.”