Hibs striker Clayton Donaldson set to sign for Crewe Alexandra

Last updated : 03 August 2008 By Steve Forbes

claytondonaldsoninteractive.jpg picture by 1875steve

Hibs forward Clayton Donaldson is on his way out of Easter Road today.

The Hibees have apparently accepted a bid for the former
York City forward from Crewe Alexandra and Donaldson has headed south for talks.

Donaldson is seen by
Crewe boss Steve Holland as a direct replacement for outgoing striker Nicky Maynard who has signed for Bristol City in a £2.25m deal.

The 24-year-old former
York City and Bradford striker arrived at Easter Road last summer on a pre-contract agreement from York but has struggled with the step up to the SPL.

He played 18 times for the Hibees last season, scoring only 6 goals in the process, 4 of them penalties and that includes a hat-trick against
Kilmarnock.

Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen has said he wants to offload "8 or 9" players from the current squad, a squad he sees as far too big. He also wants to bring in another couple of players before the transfer window shuts.

Oldham and Darlington are also keeping tabs on the Hibs forward's situation.

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Holland seemed to confirm today that they had made their move, although he didn't mention Donaldson directly, He told the official
Crewe website:

"We were disappointed to lose Nicky, but that's the trust situation we have with our younger players.

"If a deal suits all then it's important we keep the player informed and that's what we did with Nicky.

"The board know we have another striker in mind as a replacement. We've started the ball rolling on that one and we'll have to see what happens in the next few days.

"The board have given me their backing once again and there will be funds available if we get positive feedback from his club."

Thanks once again to Alan Rennie and the Hibernian Interactive team for the use of the photo.

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