Neil Lennon has confirmed that Hibs are looking to do a deal to get Scott Allan this month.
The Easter Road manager is excited at the prospect of having the midfielder in Leith for the start of next season. But that isn’t enough for the Edinburgh club, who sense they can get their man in January.
According to the Edinburgh Evening News, negotiations are underway between Hibs and Celtic in a bid to get a deal done now.
Lennon spoke to the local newspaper, and revealed his belief that Allan will be desperate to make the move this month too.
“I’m thrilled, it’s a real coup for us. A player that the fans love and he had such a big impact here last year and in his previous term under Alan Stubbs as well.
“We’re hoping something can get done before the window shuts. If not, we look forward to welcoming him in the summer.
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“But he’ll be itching to play. I’m not involved in the financial negotiations and I’ve not spoken to Scotty about it. But I’m sure he would want to get out and play like all players would.
A deal surely likely to be done now
It’s difficult to see a scenario in this situation where Hibs don’t sign Allan this month.
The player now has absolutely no value to Celtic. He won’t play another minute, and the Hoops now have a chance to get a small fee and get him off the wage-bill this month. The club will be just as determined to do a deal as Hibs will.
We argued earlier this week that Celtic should let Allan leave this month. It’s a move that would benefit all parties, with nobody losing out if a deal goes through.
With both sides now in negotiations, this is more than likely to be completed.
Allan only made 17 appearances during three-and-a-half year stay at Parkhead so far. Whether that stretches to just under four years, however, is highly doubtful.