Lenny wants Allan in now as he makes Omeonga swoop

HIBS boss Neil Lennon admits he’s desperate to land Scott Allan this month and expects Genoa midfielder Stephane Omeonga to seal his move to Edinburgh today.

The Easter Road club announced on Thursday that Celtic playmaker Allan had agreed a pre-contract to return for a third stint in the summer.

But with the 27-year-old failing to have made a single first-team outing for the Hoops this term, Lennon hopes a deal can be struck between the clubs before the January transfer window closes.

Lennon said: “I’m thrilled and it’s a real coup for us, a player that the fans love. He had such a big impact here last year and in his previous spell under Alan Stubbs as well.

“We hope something can get done before the window shuts, if not we look forward to welcoming him in the summer.

“He’ll be itching to play on a regular basis. It’s no disgrace not to play regularly at Celtic with the competition and quality that’s there.

“He’s still a very good player at this level, he’s exciting to watch at times and imaginative.

“He sees things quicker than others and executes them well. He’s the type of player we’ve missed in the first half of the season.”

After Hibs also landed Ryan Gauld on loan from Sporting Lisbon, Omeonga, 22, is set to put pen to paper today.

Lennon said: “He’s due in on Saturday. We like the look of him, good energy, pace, dynamic, young, played at a good level.”