Hibernian close on Palsson loan deal

28 January 2011 14:30

Hibernian are poised to complete a loan deal for Liverpool's Victor Palsson but manager Colin Calderwood has confirmed Merouane Zemmama could be bound for Middlesbrough.

Palsson, a 19-year-old midfielder from Iceland, has undergone a medical at Easter Road and Hibs are awaiting the completion of the required paperwork before his capture is complete.

It could be one in, one out at Hibs, though, with Calderwood confirming Morocco forward Zemmama, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, has held talks with Tony Mowbray over a move to the Riverside.

"It's just the contractual situation, with him being out of contract," said Calderwood.

"Everything's been followed to the 'T'. We know where they are. He's been able to have conversations with Middlesbrough and they're ongoing."

Zemmama is one of 15 players at Hibs whose deals expire at the end of the season, with all of them now able to talk to interested parties.

The 27-year-old, who joined Hibs while Mowbray was boss in 2006, returned from a cruciate knee ligament injury last month and has made four starts and two substitute appearances this term without scoring.

Zemmama may yet stay at Easter Road for the remainder of the campaign if he opts for a pre-contract agreement on Teeside, rather than an immediate switch.

Hibs top scorer Derek Riordan, who Calderwood has said he would like to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, has also been linked with a move, with Rangers the latest club mentioned. However, Calderwood said he was unaware of a potential switch.

Palsson could make his debut in Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League match with Dundee United at Tannadice as Hibs seek to improve their 11th-placed position in the SPL table.

Source: PA