Hibernian have completed the signing of Kwon Hyeok-kyu from fellow Scottish Premiership side Celtic on a season-long loan deal.

The 23-year-old, who joined Celtic from K League 2 side Busan IPark last summer, is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for Brendan Rodgers' side but was showered with praise by St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson during a loan spell in Paisley during the second half of last season that was ultimately curtailed by a hamstring injury. The Buddies opened talks with Celtic over extending his stay at the SMiSA Stadium, such was the nature of his impression in black and white. 

Read more:

Easter Road head coach David Gray has already made eight signings this summer and Kwon makes it nine - although the South Korean under-23 internationalist is the first midfielder to arrive following the acquisitions of two goalkeepers in Joe Bursik and Jordan Smith; two centre-backs in Marvin Ekpiteta and Warren O'Hora; two wingers in Nicky Cadden and Junior Hoilett, and one striker in Mykola Kukharevych. 

Welcoming the arrival of Kwon, Gray said: "Hyeok-kyu provides us with another option in midfield being able to play as both a deeper six and as an eight. 

"As a player, he’s a great athlete, he’s very competitive, and comfortable on the ball. He showed these capabilities during an impressive loan spell last season. We’re delighted to bring him to the club and look forward to working with him."

Kwon will be the first Asian player to represent Hibs in the club's 149-year history. 

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “We’re really pleased to make Hyeok-kyu our ninth signing of the summer transfer window. He is another top professional to add to the first-team group, comes with a good pedigree, and adds a real presence on the pitch.

“We’d like to thank Brendan Rodgers and Celtic for the smooth handling of the move, and how quickly and efficiently we were able to get this deal done."

Kwon is ineligible for this Sunday's Premier Sports Cup second-round tie against his parent club but could go into the squad for the visit of Dundee on August 24. 

Hibs retain an interest in Luke McCowan but won’t be held to ransom by Dundee chiefs, who have already thrown out two bids for the midfielder, and with the Dark Blues visiting Easter Road later this month it would be highly unlikely that Dens Park chiefs would sanction the 26-year-old’s exit prior to that game should Hibs have an offer accepted.

Meanwhile, Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle have expressed an interest in signing Dylan Vente from Hibs - and the Dutchman could return to his homeland after falling down the pecking order at Easter Road following the arrival of Kieron Bowie on a permanent deal from Fulham and the loan return of Mykola Kukharevych.

The 25-year-old scored just four league goals last term but was often played deeper by former head coach Nick Montgomery and suffered injury issues during his first season in Edinburgh.

But since a hat-trick against Elgin City in the first Premier Sports Cup group match, Vente has failed to find the net and looks like a man short on confidence, and there is a chance he could leave Hibs before the window closes.