Hibs could woo Maclaren from under Hearts’ noses

HIBERNIAN could hijack Hearts’ interest in Jamie Maclaren and secure the Australia international on loan.

The Edinburgh rivals are battling it out for the 24-year-old striker after he was told he could leave German second-tier outfit SV Darmstadt.

Maclaren was notable by his absence as Darmstadt reported for a winter training camp in Spain on Friday. Manager Dirk Schuster has confirmed that the player is set to depart and is expected to arrive in the Scottish capital imminently.

The former Blackburn youngster has made just eight appearances since joining the club from Brisbane Roar and is determined to find first-team football as he seeks to cement a place in the Socceroos squad for this summer’s World Cup.

‘It is an important six months ahead of Russia 2018 and I cannot guarantee Jamie will play every week here,’ said Schuster. ‘This is an opportunity that does not come often for a player and we understand his position.’

It is understood Maclaren held discussions with Hearts boss Craig

Levein during a visit to Edinburgh in December, but it was feared that his wage demands could prove a stumbling block.

However, funds are set to be freed up by Jamie Walker’s impending £300,000 switch to Wigan — which should be completed early next week — while Darmstadt are sympathetic to Maclaren’s need for first-team football in a World Cup year.

Hibs are also in the hunt for a new striker after missing out on Niall McGinn last month, with reports in Germany last night even suggesting that Neil Lennon’s side have moved into pole position in the race for his signature.

It is the second time the fierce foes have gone head to head for a signing, with Kyle Lafferty snubbing the Easter Road outfit in favour of Hearts last summer.

Regardless of his choice, Maclaren is likely to make his debut during the Edinburgh derby in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on January 21.

A permanent switch is not thought to be on the cards, with the player contracted to Darmstadt until 2020.

Maclaren represented Scotland at Under-19 level by virtue of his Edinburgh-born father, Don, before committing to Australia, and has also attracted interest from Holland and Belgium.