By:
Mark Hendry
Hibs are closing in on a deal for Sligo Rovers striker Owen Elding.
The 19-year-old attacker has emerged as a target for the Hibees this transfer window.
And with just four days left before it slams shut, the Scottish club are looking to do business.
Irish clubs have plenty of talent and Elding joins Vinnie Leonard in attracting interest.
It is believed a fee of around €400,000 is all it would take to land the promising talent.
Head coach at Easter Road, David Gray, is keen to bring the Irishman to the club sharpish.
Hibs have taken their time this window to make moves.
They’re the only Scottish Premiership outfit yet to bring in a new player in January.
But that is about to be remedied with Elding understood to be close to being completed.
Hibs close in on Owen Elding signing from Sligo Rovers
Sligo forward Elding banged in 16 goals from 38 appearances in all competitions last season.
He also chipped in with five assists in the same period and is considered a highly rated young player.
Hibs boss Gray has not shied away from the fact that he has wanted a new striker in the door.
Sheffield Wednesday attacker Bailey Cadamarteri is one who has been named as a potential signing.
But the move for Elding is further down the road than the Owls deal.
It is believed that the front man could potentially be in place for the visit of Rangers to Easter Road.
That action is on February 1 so would obviously have to be done by then anyway.
But having a new forward in their ranks for such a massive game in the club’s calendar would be a bonus.
Elding is a one club man so far in his career having began in the Sligo youth ranks.
He made his first appearance for the first-team as a youngster back in May, 2023 off the bench vs Shelbourne.
Since then the attacker has made 67 outings for the club and found the net 16 times.
Elding is considered a versatile marksman and has been known to shift to the right-flank when necessary.
That would likely suit Hibs with Gray being a coach who likes to mix his plans up.
Hibs coach David Gray explains delay in January transfers
Gray spoke recently on being patient in attempting to find January signings.
“Yeah, it’s not just a case of taking your time. It’s making sure you get the right people in.
“I think that’s massive,” he said.
“It’s not just signing players for signing’s sake.
“If you don’t believe they add value or represent value for money, there’s all different things that come into it.
“I think you’re always looking. I think there’s always contact.
“I’m not going to get drawn on individuals.
“The players that are potentially playing for other clubs, that would be wholly disrespectful.
“But I think there is a lot of work going on.”
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