Dominique Malonga leaves Hibernian to join FC Pro Vercelli

Hibernian striker Dominique Malonga has left Easter Road to join Serie B side FC Pro Vercelli 1892.

The 27-year-old is one of three players manager Alan Stubbs has trimmed from his squad, which is still battling on three fronts - the promotion race, League Cup and Scottish Cup.

Malonga scored 22 goals for the Scottish Championship side following his arrival from Serie B side Cesena in September 2014, but his first-team opportunities were expected to be limited after the recent loan signing of Celtic striker Anthony Stokes.

Another loan player, forward Islam Feruz, has returned to his parent club Chelsea having made just six appearances since his arrival in September.

Teenage front man Conner Duthie has also left Hibs having failed to make an impression during his time in Leith.

Elsewhere, Jamie Insall has extended his loan from Hibs to East Fife, where the 23-year-old has scored three times for the League Two side

In a statement on their website, Hibernian said: "Hibernian can confirm that Dominique Malonga has left the club to join Italian Serie B side FC Pro Vercelli 1892 for an undisclosed fee.

"The striker, 27, made 54 appearances for Hibernian, scoring 22 goals, and gained international recognition with Congo during his spell in Edinburgh.

"Hibernian can also confirm that the paperwork for the return of Islam Feruz to Chelsea has now been concluded, and that Conner Duthie has left the club by mutual consent.

"Everyone at Hibernian FC would like to thank Dominique, Islam and Conner for their contributions to the club and wish them well with their future careers.

"Meanwhile, Jamie Insall has extended his loan spell with East Fife. Jamie has scored three goals for the Fifers since joining the club in November, and will continue his development at Bayview Stadium until the end of the season."