Mcnulty Hibs return close

Hibs are close to re-signing striker Marc Mcnulty and are working hard to squeeze through a deal ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline.

If they succeed then manager Jack Ross, who has also enlisted the services of former St Mirren captain Paul Mcginn and Stephane Omeonga in this window, could allow Florian Kamberi to leave for title challengers Rangers.

The Ibrox side have made an enquiry regarding a loan deal for the Swiss

striker, who has scored eight goals in 27 appearances this term, with the potential to make the move permanent should he impress Steven Gerrard.

The Ibrox boss is looking to enhance his forward options after veteran forward Jermain Defoe picked up a calf injury in the 2-0 midweek win over Ross County. But any move is likely to hinge on whether Hibs can recruit the likes of Mcnulty, with the club having turned down two bids from Lech Poznan for 24-year-old Kamberi earlier this month.

Mcnulty would be the first choice but the Premiership club and the player’s representatives still have some work to do to convince Sunderland to part with the forward they signed on loan from Reading for the entire season.

It is understood that the frontman, who spent the second half of last term in Leith where he played his way into the Scotland setup, is ready to return to his hometown and a deal from Hibs is on the table.

Hibs manager Jack Ross, who snapped him up for the Black Cats before he was relieved of managerial duties in October, is keen to utilise him in his preferred position in a front two.

And with striking positions still up for grabs in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad ahead of the Euro 2020play-offsand,possibly the nation’s first appearance at a major finals since 1998, Mcnulty is desperate to put himself back in the shop window.

Hibs and Mcnulty need the green light from Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson who has, thus far, been reluctant to part with the 27-year-old. That is despite the fact that Mcnulty has made only seven starts for the Black Cats. Appearances could be even more restricted when recent Sunderland recruit Kyle Lafferty is fully fit.

Mcnulty joined Hibs along with Stephane Omeonga during last year’s winter transfer window and both were key contributors in the club finishing ahead of city rivals Hearts.

Omeonga has already renewed acquaintance with the club but it is felt that the Scot could be the missing piece in the jigsaw up front.