Future Hibs striker Chris Mueller was dropped entirely from the Orlando City squad on Sunday night – leading to speculation that his Easter Road move could be expedited.
The Florida side lined up to face Ronny Deila's New York City in the MLS but were without their number nine, who was absent from the starting 11 and bench even though Orlando had a vacant substitute spot.
NYC ran out 5-0 winners in a shock drubbing for the Eastern Conference hopefuls and that led to some speculation from the match commentator.
He said: "Chris Mueller, he's absent, perhaps a sign that his move to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian is about to be brought forward some six months."
However Orlando Sentinel journalist Julia Poe responded on Twitter: "Heard the Sky Sports broadcast of tonight's match is reporting Chris Mueller sat out today due to Hibs pushing for his early release.
"Orlando City official says that's not true and his absence today is not related to contract or transfer issues."
Mueller's contract is due to run through the remainder of the MLS regular season and play-offs, meaning Jack Ross' side would need to stump up a transfer fee for the American.
At it stands, he's arriving on a pre-contract in January but manager Ross is keen on an early arrival.
He said: "Ideally we’d like to get him earlier. We have worked incredibly hard to bring him in.
"I think he’s a brilliant signing for us and a really exciting one. Naturally for me as a manager I would like him in now."
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