Source: Team_Talk
Hughes pondering moves for trialists
The Lithuanian connection could soon be extended to Hibs with John Hughes poised to make a decision on whether to sign trialist Valdas Trakys.[LNB] The 31-year-old Lithuania international striker, who is a free agent after leaving Greek club Panserraikos, has heard complimentary noises about Edinburgh and Hibs from his numerous compatriots at Hearts and impressed Hughes in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Dundee United on Tuesday.[LNB]A deal will not be completed in time for Saturday's clash with Inverness at Easter Road, but could be close.[LNB]"It's one that's certainly interesting us," Hughes said today.[LNB]"The big fellow's done well.[LNB]"We'll see. He's still got another training session (tomorrow).[LNB]"He speaks good English and a lot of the Lithuanians at Hearts have said good things about Hibs and the city.[LNB]"He's come over here and his application and attitude have been spot on."[LNB]Hughes signed six players in the summer transfer window, but only Darryl Duffy, who was brought in on loan from Bristol Rovers, is a striker.[LNB]There is also the void of Anthony Stokes to fill following his transfer deadline day move to Celtic.[LNB]"We've been looking about," added Hughes.[LNB]"We were active in the window and got good players in, but I still think we're a wee bit short up there.[LNB]"He (Trakys) plays like a centre forward, he knows how to use his body, holds it up well and he's prepared to be his foot in and work away.[LNB]"It's one that is starting to tick all the boxes.[LNB]"If we're going to do any kind of deal, it wouldn't be long term, it would probably be for a year."[LNB]Former FC Twente striker Romano Denneboom has also been linked with a switch to Easter Road after a trial spell.[LNB]Denneboom is keen to secure a deal for more than 12 months, but Hughes has told him to earn a longer deal.[LNB]"It's still on the go," said Hughes.[LNB]"He's looking for a longer-term contract - he's a good lad, good player, but his fitness wasn't up to it.[LNB]"I wouldn't want to make that commitment.[LNB]"What I want to say is come here and prove yourself and if you prove yourself then we can sit down and maybe do it longer term.[LNB]"That's where the stumbling block is at the moment."[LNB]Hughes admitted Hibs would only be able to sign either Trakys or Denneboom.[LNB]He said: "If we're going to do something it will be one or the other, I don't think we've got the budget or the finances to do the two of them."[LNB]Although Hughes will not be bringing in both of the trialists interesting him, Hibs are in a healthy financial position.[LNB]Today Hibs announced financial results for the year ending July 31, 2010 which showed a bottom line profit for the sixth consecutive year.[LNB]A net profit of £100,000 came in a year which saw staff costs increase to £4.8million - a ratio of 68% to turnover - with turnover decreased by 8% to £7.1million.[LNB]Chairman Rod Petrie said: "To have achieved a profit for six consecutive years is a truly outstanding achievement within football, let alone football within Scotland.[LNB]"Being in 'profit' means that the club is self sufficient and in control of its own destiny - it also means any surplus income is retained within the club and re-invested for the future.[LNB]"The club's financial position is the envy of many other clubs."[LNB]
