Hibernian are set to announce the signing of Scotland Under-21 forward Kieron Bowie, after fending off an eleventh-hour bid from rivals Hearts to hijack the deal. 

The 21-year-old, who will sign a four-year deal at Easter Road, was linked with a number of clubs in the Scottish Premiership and English Football League following two successful loan stints with Northampton Town, with Hibs emerging as the favourites for his signature earlier this week. 

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Bowie, who joined Fulham from Raith Rovers in the summer of 2020, travelled north to undergo a medical on Tuesday, which is when Hearts are understood to have made a late, ultimately unsuccessful, pitch for his services. 

The Kirkcaldy-born forward didn't make a senior appearance for Fulham but scored 15 goals in 21 appearances for their under-18 side, and five goals in 19 games for the under-21s. Hibs are believed to have paid a fee in the region of £600,000 to secure his services amid interest from a number of clubs including Barnsley and Wrexham. 

Bowie has so far hit nine goals in four outings for Scot Gemmill’s Scotland Under-21s and over his two spells with Northampton, chipped in with 23 goal involvements in 85 games. Ostensibly a centre-forward, he is comfortable playing anywhere across the front three and his versatility will appeal to Hibs head coach David Gray, who has spoken of his desire to have players capable of playing more than one role.  

Hibs still remain interested in Dundee captain Luke McCowan, after having an initial bid thrown out by the Dens Park side. The 26-year-old is out of contract next summer and although the Dark Blues have tabled a new offer, he is yet to sign it and is attracting interest from Bolton Wanderers, Celtic, and clubs in the United States as well as Hibs. McCowan scored the equaliser from the penalty spot as the Dundee derby ended in a 2-2 draw at the weekend and manager Tony Docherty admitted it would take a big offer to convince the club to sell. 

"Aye, because he is such a valuable member of our squad. But that’s not really a question for me," he said. 

"I just want to surround myself with as many good players and good people as I can and Luke is both of those. It’s speculation but that’s because he’s a good player. He grabbed the game for us on Sunday.

"He went on to be the best performer on the pitch and when you do that, of course you will attract attention. People say this, that and the other thing. For me, it is pure speculation – until I get told there is anything happening. Luke is my captain; a driving force around the place."