STEVEN WHITTAKER is closing in on a return to Hibs.

[ian1964 10,761]

SunSport revealed last month Neil Lennon was in pole position to bring the 32-year-old fan favourite back to Easter Road for a second spell.

 

Scotland cap Whittaker is a free agent after his contract at Norwich City expired and is keen to return north of the border.

 

He had been in discussions with Hearts as well.

 

However, it’s thought a second stint at Hibs was always his preference, while Hearts were already assessing alternative options at right back.Whittaker, first and foremost, would compete with club captain David Gray for a place in the side, but Lennon’s also said to value his ability to play in a number of positions ahead of Hibs’ first season back in the top flight.

 

Hibs and Hearts were also said to be weighing up whether or not to offer deals to Whittaker’s former Rangers and Norwich team-mate Kyle Lafferty.

 

But neither outfit are currently pursuing the Northern Ireland front-man — who has lucrative options overseas.

 

Hibs remain open to the idea of a return for Anthony Stokes, but any move is on hold until he can agree a severance package with Blackburn.

 

Meanwhile, Hibs have clinched the permanent signing of highly-rated Polish youth keeper Maciej Dubrawski.The 19-year-old signed on loan with the development squad in January but was ruled out for most of the campaign with a freak training-ground injury.

[StuGers 477]

Stephen Shittaker. He will be responsible for a large portion of their goals against then.

[Uilleam 5,960]

Thank God, there is no chance of Pedro Caixinha welcoming him back to Ibrox.

[the gunslinger 3,366]

Had a cracking spell at ch for us can see him doing well there as he ages.