Hibs defender Tim Clancy is on he verge of agreeing to sign for Irish Airtricity Premier Division club Derry City.
The 29-year-old hasn't featured for Hibs in over six months, following a reccuring groin problem.
Former Millwall, Motherwell, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock player has recently went under the knife, and it was thought he was close to a first team return.
It has now been revealed that new Hibs boss Terry Butcher has told him he has no future at Easter Roa, with his contract set to expire.
Speaking to the Derry Journal, Derry boss Roddy Collins said:
“I’d like to get this put to bed soon because Tim would be as equally important to the team as someone like Rory Patterson is,” claimed Collins.
“Rory’s important because of his goals ratio and defensively we really need a bit of experience.
“Shane McEleney and Ryan McBride have done a brilliant job but you need experience and competition in that area and Tim will certainly bring that,” he added.
“I’ve been chasing Tim for a while now. He joined Hibs from Motherwell and did alright under Pat Fenlon, but he sustained a bit of a knee injury and he didn’t recover the way he wanted.
“Terry Butcher indicated that he was willing to let Tim go and before Christmas myself, Terry and Tim sat down to have a chat about the situation.
“Tim got back to me last night and said he was interested in sitting down and talking to me, so I’m going to get onto that straight away.
“He’s a top class professional. He’s a winner, he’s married and the father of three children.
“He already indicated that he’s willing to move over,” he revealed. “He’s from Co. Meath so he’s looking to move back over and live closer to home.
“I know there’s another club or two in for him, but I was first to come to meet him so, hopefully, I can back it up now with a proper deal.
“I’ll be trying to tie that up over the next 48 hours. You never know how these things go. I have a value on Tim and he’s a top man in my opinion but I also have an obligation to the club to work within the constraints of the budget which I’m going to do.”
Clancy could be the first in a mini clear-out of players by Buthcer, who is looking to add some pace and creativity to his side.
Kevin Thomson, Tom Taiwo and Rowan Vine are also said to have been told they have to future at Easter Road.