Former Sunderland boss Lee Johnson is the frontrunner to become the next manager of Hibs after impressing club hierarchy during a second interview.
Record Sport understands the 40-year-old has made a real impression on Ron Gordon and his board during their search for Shaun Maloney 's successor.
It comes after the candidates were whittled down to a three-man shortlist, which also includes Karl Robinson and Michael Appleton.
Johnson has been out of work since leaving the Stadium of Light in the wake of a 6-0 thumping for Sunderland against Bolton in January
He became Oldham boss aged 31 before a four-year stay at Bristol City – establishing himself as the longest-serving boss in the Championship before departing in 2020.
Johnson's nomadic playing career led to a brief stint with city rivals Hearts and Kilmarnock.
Chairman, Gordon, son Ian and chief executive Ben Kensell launched a detailed search for their next head coach, which included a trip to London to meet a host of candidates in person.
Former PSV boss Philip Cocu and ex-Real Madrid assistant manager Paul Clement were among those who met with Hibs’ top brass during their search.
But a move for Manchester United icon Roy Keane proved to be a non-starter due to a number of factors.
Hibs are acutely aware of the need to get this appointment right with Jack Ross and Maloney both sacked four months apart during a season to forget.
Club icon David Gray has been in temporary charge but it hasn't led to an upturn in results with fans miffed in the wake of Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to bottom side Dundee.
