Talks ongoing over future of Hibs' Zemmama

Calderwood confirmed the 27-year-old is in negotiation with English Championship outfit Middlesbrough with a view to be reunited with ex-Hibs manager Tony Mowbray, who brought him to Edinburgh in 2006.

Zemmama is perfectly entitled to talk to Boro as he's in the final six months of his Easter Road contract and it is understood he's receptive to moving. But Mowbray's desire to sign him on loan until the end of the season will undoubtedly be resisted by Hibs.

Agreeing to such a move would, in effect, allow Mowbray to give Zemmama an extended trial before deciding whether or not to sign him in the summer when he becomes a free agent, leaving Hibs with no recompense.

Calderwood agreed it would be up to Zemmama to agree to join the Teesside club before Hibs could themselves decide upon the best course of action.

If ?Zemmama signals his intention to leave then it would seem certain Hibs would try to negotiate his immediate release, with the January transfer window due to close on Monday night, a course of action which would entail Middlesbrough paying a transfer fee.

However, Mowbray has made it clear he's working within a strict budget as he strives to steer the north-east club away from the relegation danger area, leaving the two parties with a "balancing act" to satisfy both.

Calderwood said: "Middlesbrough are within their rights to make an approach and they have. They have spoken to Zouma, there are on-going negotiations at the moment but there's quite a bit to get through." Meanwhile, Martin Scott is in line to make his debut in tomorrow's SPL match against Dundee United at Tannadice although the former Ross County midfielder has been suffering from blisters which, according to Calderwood, have left him with "two sore feet." Liam Miller will come into contention as will Victor Palsson whose loan deal has been completed.