Hibernian have made their third signing of the summer transfer window ahead of Saturday's pre-season friendly with Edinburgh City and next week's training camp in the Netherlands with the capture of Marvin Ekpiteta on a three-year deal.

Ekpiteta, 28, is Hibs' second central defensive signing of the summer, following Warren O'Hora's arrival on Wednesday. 

READ MORE - Why Warren O'Hora chose Hibs - and why club wanted him

In his first interview with Hibs TV, Ekpiteta said that he feels joining the Scottish Premiership side can present him with a new challenge.

“I have really enjoyed my career so far. I have come all the way up from non-league to the championship down south, now I am up in Scotland and I feel my whole career I have been on an upward trajectory.

“The history [of Hibs] was a big thing for me and to play at this level against some really good teams was a big thing for me. It’s something different for me, a new challenge that I am looking forward to."

Speaking about the acquisition of the former Leyton Orient man, Hibs head coach David Gray said: "Marvin is someone I look forward to working with. He has great experience at a good level in England and adds extra leadership to the dressing room.

"Physically, he has all the attributes that fit the demands of Scottish football; he’s big, strong, dominant, very athletic, and will be an asset in both boxes. We’re really pleased to bring him to the club.”

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: "I’m delighted to welcome Marvin to Hibernian FC as we continue to improve our squad.

“Like Warren O’Hora, Marvin is another player who has been a captain and a leader within first-team groups. He is a real defender with a lot of experience, and I look forward to seeing him in action."

READ MORE - The moment Hibs offered David Gray the job: Phone calls in Florida and tears aplenty

The former Blackpool defender, who played against his new side in July last year, left Bloomfield Road on the expiry of his contract, having made more than 100 appearances and scored nine goals for the Seasiders, as well as helping them win promotion to the English Championship.

He came through Oxford United's youth academy but didn't make a senior appearance, instead beginning his career with Chelmsford City in the National League South. He moved onto Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United before joining Leyton Orient and helping them win promotion back to the English Football League in 2019. 

Ekpiteta made 32 appearances for the Os before joining Blackpool, then in League One, and playing 34 times as they earned a shot at the Championship. 

He was capped twice by Nigeria at Under-20 level in 2013 before making a single appearance for England C, the non-league national team, in 2018, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Estonia Under-23s.