Hibs secure Devaney from United

Hibernian have won the race for Manchester United midfielder Jacob Devaney, who has agreed a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent. The 19-year-old will join the Easter Road side before the transfer window closes.

Profile of the young midfielder

Devaney made 18 appearances for St Mirren last season, his first taste of senior football. He also captained the Old Trafford side’s Under-21s during the first part of the campaign. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder. His main strengths lie in passing, ball progression and switching play. Interest in him came from the English Championship and overseas clubs.

Hibs’ summer signings

Devaney is the sixth summer signing for Hibs, joining Azeem Abdulai, Jason Kerr, Callum Wright, Nathan Lowe and Adam Mayor. David Gray, the club’s sporting director, said: “We’re really pleased to bring Jacob to the club. He already has experience of Scottish football and knows the demands of the Premiership, which will be important as he settles into the squad. He’s a technically talented young international footballer who is keen to learn and develop, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the group.”

Club reaction

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “We’re delighted to welcome a player of Jacob’s calibre to Hibernian. He’s a young player with an excellent background and, importantly, he already has experience of playing in the Scottish Premiership. A lot of clubs were understandably interested in Jacob, so we’re delighted that he saw his future at Hibs. I would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts in getting this deal over the line. It’s an exciting opportunity for Jacob and for the club, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what he can bring to Hibs.”

Availability for European action

Devaney was in Belgium to watch Hibs’ goalless draw with Gent in the first leg of the Conference League play-off round, but he is ineligible to feature in the second leg having not been signed before the cut-off point. He could make his debut on Sunday when Hibs travel to Dundee on Scottish Premiership duty.