Hibs favourite James McPake would be happy to join the Edinburgh side permanently, if the club can negotiate a transfer for him.

The defender, who captained Hibs in the Scottish Cup final, has returned to Coventry City after his loan spell in the capital ended.

However it is believed that a bid of £100,000 from the Easter Road team would be enough to prise him away from the Midlands club, who were relegated from the Championship last season.

Speaking to the Daily Record, a source close to the player said: “James would like to stay and it’s now up to chairman Rod Petrie and Coventry to agree a deal. The ball is now firmly in Hibs’ court.”

McPake recently told the Coventry Telegraph that he expected to report for pre-season training with Coventry on July 1.

The 27-year-old, who was called-up to the Northern Ireland international squad last week, said: “Things do change in football but, at the moment, I’m not out looking for it or begging Hibs to try and buy me.”

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