Hibs in talks over loan deal for Belgian Bushiri

Hibs are in talks with Norwich City over a loan deal for Belgium Under-21 internationalist Rocky Bushiri, while Melker Hallberg is moving closer to the exit door.

Newmanagershaunmaloney is keen to reinforce his defence and has identified 22-year-old Bushiri as a prime candidate.

The pair know each other from Maloney’stimewiththebelgian national team set-up and Bushiri can play in a back three or a back four.

Out of the picture at Norwich, a six-month loan deal has been mootedwithapotentialoptionto-buy clause.

One player whose future at Hibsappearstobeoverisswedish midfielder Hallberg, who is of interest to fellow cinch Premiership club St Johnstone.

Hallberg, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is just back from a dislocated knee and is not in the first-team picture at Easter Road, which wouldfacilitateamovetoperth.

St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson is bolstering his squad, with Saints currently bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are the latest English Premiership club to credited with an interest in Dundee United’s teenage right-back Kerr Smith.

The Sun reports that Villa

manager Steven Gerrard is ready to table a bid approaching£800,000forthe17-year-old.

Scotland Under-19 international Smith has also been linked with Crystal Palace, whose manager Patrick Vieira is said to be an admirer of him.

Aston Villa are increasingly monitoring the Scottish marketfollowingthesuccessofmidfielderjohnmcginninthemidlands,whilegerrardisawareof Smith’s potential from his time as Rangers boss.