Hibs are negotiating with MLS in order to try and bring in Chris Mueller early.
The American international has already signed a pre-contract at Easter Road and is due to join up with Jack Ross ’ squad in January.
But the Hibees are keen to do a deal now so Mueller can help with their Europa Conference League campaign and start to the Premiership season.
The winger was left out of Orlando City’s squad as they were hammered 5-0 by Ronny Deila’s New York City.
That led to speculation that Mueller could be making the move to Edinburgh early.
But that was denied by the franchise via local media in Florida.
However, that doesn’t mean the 24-year-old won’t arrive during this window.
All contracts are centralised which means clubs must deal with the league i order to negotiate any early release.
Hibs have begun this process and could pay a nominal fee to get Mueller ahead of schedule.
However, they won’t be held to ransom and are happy to wait until January if a quicker move is going to prove too expensive.
Speaking after Mueller’s capture was confirmed, Ross said: "Chris was someone who was brought to our attention a number of months ago.
"We worked long and hard to make this deal happen.
"Chris is an exciting signing and his recent performances with Orlando have been terrific.
"He has a skillset that we think is going to be really well suited to Scotland."
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