Hopeful Hibs boss Jack Ross has targeted St Mirren's Paul McGinn and hopes to unveil the defender in the coming days after receiving transfer "encouragement" from the Buddies.
The defender would be ineligible for Tuesday's cup replay against Dundee United even if the deal was sealed before the game.
Hibs need cover in the area after first choice Jason Naismith was ruled out for six months with a knee injury.
The 25-year-old, who is on loan from Peterborough United for the season, is highly unlikely to return from the injury before his contract is up.
And Ross has revealed that St Mirren's willingness to do a quick deal makes him positive that a package can be agreed by all parties.
Ross said: "Obviously Jim (Goodwin, St Mirren's manager) spoke publicly yesterday about the situation and just as he said, we made an enquiry as to the possible availability of Paul and were given encouragement that would be the case.
"So it's now a case of trying to bring him to the club and we're hopeful we'll be able to do that over the next couple of days."
