Owen Bevan Hibs transfer door left open for next season as Nick Montgomery explains early loan exit

Nick Montgomery is open to bringing Owen Bevan back to Hibs NEXT season.

The Bournemouth defender had his loan deal at Easter Road ended prematurely after an injury following a switch from the Cherries at the end of the January transfer window. He was due to arrive in the capital earlier this month following a period out injured but after aggravating a thigh problem and with the stopper facing a further few months out - he will stay with the English Premier League side for the rest of the season.

Explaining the situation and what may happen in the future, Hibs boss Montgomery said: "Owen was about to come and join us, but he re-injured the quad muscle he was rehabbing so unfortunately that could be an eight to 12-week injury. He'll go back to Bournemouth which is unfortunate for him because he's a good young player who I was looking forward to bringing in. But with the squad the way it is now, we've got a lot of strength in depth, with Rocky Bushiri coming back [from the Africa Cup of Nations] last week. He's had his first full week of training so we're in a good place in terms of the squad."

Hibs are in the process of finalising a tie-up with Bournemouth and Montgomery remains hopeful that Bevan will get a chance to play for his team next term. He added: "Yes, he's a player we're definitely keen on bringing to the club so we'll just monitor that situation. Hopefully he can get himself back fit before the end of the season and we'll definitely keep an eye on the situation."

Hibs face a huge game this weekend when they host Dundee in the capital. They trail the Dark Blues, who occupy sixth spot, by five points and know a victory will boost their top-six prospects. But defeat and it would be an uphill battle.

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