Hibs in 'advanced talks' to sign Scotland defender Grant Hanley

Hibernian are close to completing the signing of Scotland defender Grant Hanley.

The 33-year-old centre-back watched Hibs face Midtjylland in the Europa League last Thursday and has been in talks over a move to Easter Road.

Hanley is a free agent after leaving Birmingham City following their title win last season and is now close to sealing a move to the side that finished third in last year’s Premiership.

Hibs head coach David Gray confirmed discussions were ongoing and said he was keen to add the quality that the former Blackburn, Newcastle and Norwich City defender would bring.

“We are in advanced talks with that one,” Gray said. “We’re hoping to see what that one can look like.

“He’s someone that has played at a very high level. I speak about that all the time, trying to find the right type of people into the football club. We’re working hard to see what we can do on that.”

If a deal is concluded in time, Hanley could go straight into the squad for Hibs’ Conference League clash with Partizan Belgrade.

Gray will be looking to strengthen his defence after the departure of Lewis Miller to Blackburn Rovers earlier this week, with Hibs saying they received a significant fee for the Australian after developing him over the past three years.

“We wish him all the very best, he fully deserves his move,” Gray said.

“He’s a player I have really enjoyed working with. I think he’ll be successful with the attributes he has got, down in England, and it works for everybody involved.

“I have always said we have to look at defensive options, when players like Lewis attract attention. We are working hard at that.

“But clearly, he’s someone that needs replacing because of the attributes he’s got.”

The head coach confirmed that Nicky Cadden will miss Thursday’s match in Belgrade, with the wing-back having a hamstring injury that the club are being careful not to rush recovery from. Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov will also miss the first leg.