Magpies winger to join Hibs

Alan O'Brien has agreed a three-year contract to join Hibernian from Newcastle United.

The Republic of Ireland international will link up with the SPL side on 1st July upon the expiration of his contract at St James' Park.

Newcastle are entitled to compensation for the 22-year-old, with Hibs trying to agree a figure with the Premier League club.

O'Brien was attracting interest from other clubs and Hibs boss John Collins was delighted to secure a deal for the winger.

"We are delighted to have signed Alan on a three-year contract at Hibernian," Collins told the club's official website.

"He is a young player who has had the best possible grounding at Newcastle United and while his first-team experience has so far been limited his quality is without question, and that I think is underlined by his appearances for the Republic of Ireland.

"A few other clubs were naturally drawn to him as his current contract at Newcastle was coming to an end, but Alan has chosen Hibernian to progress his career knowing that this club continues to provide the best possible platform for a young player to learn and enjoy the game."

During his time at Newcastle, O'Brien started just one game and made nine appearances for the club in total.