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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Hibs target Ipswich goalkeeper - but face SPFL competition

Hibernian are looking at a loan move for Ipswich Town's Cieran Slicker this summer.

However, it's reported they will face competition from fellow Scottish Premiership rivals Kilmarnock.

The 21-year-old Scot was back-up to Vaclav Hladky as Ipswich won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

The Scotland Under-21 international came through Manchester City's academy before making the move to Portman Road last summer.

The Scottish Sun claims Hibs are looking at Slicker as an option to become their new No.1 following the departure of David Marshall at the end of his contract.

And new sporting director Malky Mackay is said to be very familiar with the young goalie having spent time as the Scottish FA's performance director previously.

However, it's claimed that Killie will challenge the Edinburgh club for his signature.

They're currently without a senior goalkeeper, with Will Dennis returning to parent club Bournemouth, and discussions over a new deal for Kieran O'Hara ongoing.

Derek McInnes has made no secret of his desire to see Dennis return for a further years' loan at Rugby Park, but Slicker remains an option for the Ayrshire team as they gear up for Europa League football this summer.

“Now definitely is the time for me to go and play and I feel like I am in a good position to do so," Slicker said recently. "I want to go out and play games, that’s the main thing for me.

“I always enjoy coming away with the 21s, but I want to show people I can do it week in and week out. We’ve had a lot of discussions with the manager and goalkeeping coach and everyone is on the same page with it. So now we are looking for options to see what is the best platform to help me kick on. That’s the plan.

“Perhaps people will look at it and see that I didn’t play too many games, but being around the squad and working with the manager and his staff has been almost as good as playing 30 games. So it was actually an important season.”

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