Hibs transfer update on Will Fish and targeting loans

He says talks have already taken place around the Manchester United centre-back's immediate future, and the manager believes only an exceptional change of circumstance would bring his stint at Easter Road to an early end. Fish has been ever-present in Montgomery's back four, and the 20-year-old himself has said he feels settled at the club.

The defender's loan is not scheduled to expire until the end of the campaign, and Montgomery expects that only an offer Man United cannot refuse would prompt them to recall Fish back to Old Trafford.

“This is a situation we’ve spoken about," said the manager. "I don’t think there is any danger in Will moving on. 

READ MORE: Youan on playing through injury and McKirdy return

“Fingers crossed, he’s going to be here for the season. Unless some offer comes in for Will that he can’t refuse – and Man United can’t refuse. 

“But nothing has changed. They’re happy with his progress, Will is really happy here. So hopefully, once we get through this window and Will stays, he’ll be here for the season. I think he’s really enjoying his football at the minute, so fingers crossed."

Meanwhile, Montgomery has suggested Hibs will primarily target loan signings in the January transfer window.

The manager stressed the difficulty of striking permanent deals on a limited budget midway through the season, and says temporary moves are a 'better opportunity' in the current market. Montgomery insists he is also mindful of not blocking pathways for academy prospects, and is adamant he will only bring in recruits who are ready to make an immediate impact.

Leeds United defender Kris Moore, 20, is one of several options being considered, with defensive cover a priority while the likes of Lewis Miller and Rocky Bushiri are unavailable on international duty. But Montgomery stressed he won't sign anyone simply to make up the numbers.

“It’s very hard to bring players in on permanent deals in January," said the manager. "It’s a better opportunity to bring in potential loan players that can come in and help us, and us help them get out of clubs to play games. The clubs help us by giving us good players, that’s the whole point of a loan system. 

“There’s no point in bringing loan players to sit on the bench. I’ve got young players on the bench and I don’t want to block their development, and that’s all you’re going to do if you bring in loan players to sit on the bench. 

“I’ve got Rudi Molotnikov, Rory Whittaker, and Josh Landers. They’re the academy products we want to try and develop. 

“We have to bring in players that can make an immediate impact and start games of football for us. If not, we’re not really progressing."

Identifying loan players primed to make an instant difference can be challenging, given there's a not-insignificant chance that the reason they are available is a parent club's need to get them playing more football.

“Yeah, but if you do the recruitment right, there are quality players out there who are close to playing in good teams, and for whatever reason they’re not getting regular game-time. The opportunity for them to go out and play games is why the loan system is attractive, but we have to make sure the players coming in are ready, if not the first week then within a few weeks. 

“That’s the recruitment we work on, it’s not easy."

READ MORE: Vente issue and no runners - why Hibs couldn't punish Well

Hibs will head for Dubai on January 9 for a week's winter training camp, and Montgomery hopes to have players in the door before departing. However, he acknowledged that can depend on other clubs' willingness to sign off on deals, admitting a degree of patience may be required.

“Ideally, any players coming in will go with us on the winter break, that’s the ideal scenario," said Montgomery. "We go away on January 9 for a week and come back. 

“But sometimes the reality is clubs won’t let players go until they get their own targets, so as much as we want them in as early possible, there can be a knock-on effect and we have to wait until the last minute. 

“All we can do is continue to work hard in identifying players. Sometimes that changes on a daily basis. So you have to look at option number two or three or four. We can only do what’s within our means and there is no magic wand. 

"Most teams are going on a break but ideally, we would like to get them in between now and the 9th of January. But ultimately, it is not down to us."