Hibs manager Paul Heckingbottom says Glenn Middleton will help soften the blow of losing winger Martin Boyle until 2020.
The Easter Road outfit were dealt with a huge blow after the Australian international was forced off injured in their Betfred Cup tie against Elgin City with a recurrence of a previous knee injury.
That had caused him to miss the second half of last season and the 26-year-old was just making his way back into regular first team football.
After Heckingbottom was given the bad news just over a week ago, he moved quickly for a replacement.
Middleton was close to moving to Dutch side NAC Breda, as Rangers looked to get former Norwich City player some more game time and experience.
But at the weekend it was revealed Hibs had come in with an 11th hour bid for the 19-year-old, and he will join the Edinburgh club for the upcoming campaign next week.
Heckingbottom says the transfer will likely happen in the coming days but AFTER the two sides meet on Premiership duty on Sunday.
That's to avoid any awkwardness for the teenager.
He said: "Both sides are relaxed about it.
"We just don't want to put him in a poor position before the game on Sunday, so we'll wait and see what happens next week.
"We're speaking about a loan deal. He's got pace, good one v one, an enthusiasm and he's certainly got attributes that would help us.
"We've been looking because of Martin's injury. Boyle's standout quality is that pace and speed. So we wanted to replace that."
"Middleton has good pace in a one v one, an enthusiasm, so yes he certainly has attributes that will help us.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard revealed earlier it was Middleton's decision to go on loan to Hibs.
He added: "He will go get some experience and play some regular football. He was really close to going to Holland. Super close.
"But last minute Hibs have shown some interest that he has looked into himself and decided he wants to go pursue that. It was his decision."
