Hibs midfielder Fabian Yantorno has seen a move to Hamilton break down at the last minute.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan star was about to sign for Hamilton on loan until the end of the season, but it seems there has been some crossed wires over the move.
Hibs agreed to loan Yantorno to Hamilton, but it seems Hamilton wanted to take over the players contract until the end of the season, although this seems strange as he has a contract until the summer of 2010.
Hamilton manager Billy Reid even introduced Yantorno to the Hamilton first team squad, only for Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen to pull the plug.
Reid said:
"I had Fabian in to training and introduced him to the squad so it's disappointing it's now not going to happen, although we'll just need to accept it."
"He's a terrific lad and a good player but Hibs have refused to allow him to sign here after we thought a deal was agreed."
Accies secretary Scott Struthers added:
"At no point was a loan deal mentioned.
"We wanted to take over Fabian's contract until the end of the season but Hibs called to say they wanted him back. There is a bit of confusion but that's it finished as far as we're concerned."
It seems the deal hit a snag because it would have broken SPL rules, that state only one over 21 aged player can be on loan at a club at any one time.
Hamilton already have Celtic youngster Paul McGowan on loan until the end of the season.
Hibs had only been willing to let Yantorno go on loan to get some match fitness, but it seems Hamilton wanted to sign the player permanently and thought Hibs had been willing to free him from his 18 month contract.
Hibs manager Paatelainen was dissapointed about the collapse of the move, speaking to the official club website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk, he said:
"Unfortunately there was a problem in Fabian moving to Hamilton, I thought it would be a good move for him and for us - and had he joined Hamilton on loan I'm sure it would have been good for them also. Unfortunately because of the rules the move has not materialised and so Fabian will remain with us and fight for a place in the side.
"Fabian has certainly nothing to prove to us, we know he is a very good and technically gifted player. I just felt that because he had not played too often in the first team it would have been beneficial for him to go on loan and have more chance of playing regularly in first team matches before the end of this season. He would have then come back to us that bit stronger - it is part and parcel of his rehabilitation, the last part - he has to play matches, competitive, high-tempo matches that reserve outings don't necessarily give you."
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