McLeish sets deadline on Libbra deal

Marc Libbra was a major success last season

The deal to bring Toulouse frontman Marc Libbra to Hibernian on a permanent basis could yet be resurrected.

Toulouse must now sell to survive following their relegation to the Third Division after being placed in the hands of administrators.

The forward who impressed during his loan period in Edinburgh last season, had been keen on a permanent move but Toulouse refused to budge on their £1m valuation forcing Hibs to withdraw their interest.

A new striker is a priority for us and, while Marc is our preference, we can't wait forever.

  Alex McLeish

However, Hibs manager Alex McLeish has set a weekend deadline for Libbra, currently on trial at Norwich, to decide whether to join the Easter Road club.

"We're still very keen to bring Marc here and the situation with Toulouse has now made it possible for us to do a deal," said McLeish.

"Marc has always maintained he wanted to sign and I want to establish if that is still the case."

"We've left several messages with him, but he has yet to get back to us. It's entirely up to him, but I would hope that out of courtesy he would reply whatever his thoughts are."

"A new striker is a priority for us and, while Marc is our preference, we can't wait forever."

McLeish also revealed that a deal to bring utility man Derek Townsley to Hibernian from Motherwell was being concluded.

"We're close to finalising things with Townsley and I hope to make an announcement in the next day or two."