HIBS GREEN LIGHT FOR STOKES

HIBS have made formal contact with Celtic in a bid to take Anthony Stokes on loan to Easter Road for the remainder of the season – as CQN revealed on Monday.

The 27-year-old striker is out of favour at the Hoops and has been made available by Ronny Deila for a move this month.

Alan Stubbs is keen to bring the Edinburgh side’s former frontman back to Easter Road in a bid to boost their Championship title charge.

Hibs have already opened talks with the Celtic board about a move and they hope to have everything finalised before the end of the week.

Stubbs faces competition from John Hughes, the player’s former boss at Falkirk and Hibs, who wants to take him to Inverness Caley Thistle. Dundee United are also monitoring the situation.

Stokes hasn’t played a competitive match since Celtic’s 3-1 over Dundee United on August 22 and there is a suggestion he would favour a move back to Easter Road rather than other options.

Hibs would want to team Stokes up with top scorer Jason Cummings, who has netted 16 goals this season.

Stubbs already has young Hoops midfielder Liam Henderson on loan at the club for the remainder of the campaign and he made Dylan McGeouch’s move a permanent one in the summer.

Hibs seems to be the player’s preference so despite his close relationship with the player, John Hughes looks like missing out.