Allan Campbell is on Hibs’ radar with the Motherwell midfielder out of contract next summer.
Jack Ross is on the hunt for an ‘all-rounder’ in midfield to complement Alex Gogic defensively as well as provide more steel behind the lines of Joe Newell, Scott Allan, Drey Wright and Martin Boyle.
“Predominantly a midfielder, I think I have been open about that for a while,” he said. “I would like a different type in that area of the pitch.
“We have Alex, who fulfils a very specific role, and a lot of our other players are very good footballers.
“So I would like somebody who has a bit of everything, if you like.
“We have tried and we’ve not managed to do it yet but I am still confident we will be able to before October 5 comes along."
Scotland Under 21 international Campbell fits the bill, reports the Daily Record, with the Hibees hopeful of doing a cut price deal with the player out of contract next summer.
The compensation due for is thought to be around £200k, but the Steelmen are likely to hold out for much more than that, although they remain hopeful he’ll sign the new contract offer that’s on the table.
Hibs will also face competition from down south and abroad, with no little interest in the 22-year-old.
And the cash it would take to tempt Motherwell to do an immediate deal could be too much for the Easter Road club, who have also had a bid rejected for St Mirren winger Kyle Magennis.
A St Mirren statement read: "While Kyle is currently ruled out with by injury, he remains an integral part of our football club and we have no desire to sell. We look forward to welcoming him back into the squad in the very near future."
