Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that the club are currently unable to resign Reading striker Marc McNulty for financial reasons.

McNulty spent the second half of last season on loan with the Scottish Premier League side, scoring eight goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for the Edinburgh based club.

Despite having three years remaining on his contract with Reading, it was reported earlier in the summer that McNulty was one of several players to have been told by the Royals to find a new club in the current transfer window.

It is thought that McNulty had been open to a return to Easter Road next season, but that seems unlikely for the time being following Heckingbottom's latest comments.

Speaking to Edinburgh Live about the prospect of re-signing McNulty, the Hibs boss said: “We can’t get it done at the minute.

“It’ll cost too much money. We’re not in a position to do it because either we’ve not got enough finance or what they’re asking is too much.

“If either of those change then maybe."

McNulty only joined Reading from Coventry last summer, and has made just 15 appearances in all competitions for the Championship side, scoring once.

Hibernian have already completed the signing of one striker from the Football League in the current transfer window, with Christian Doidge joining from League Two side Forest Green Rovers for a reported £350,000 fee.

The Verdict

It seems like this will be a frustrating situation for all parties.

Given his impressive record during his time on loan at Hibernian in the second half of last season, you can fully understand why the club appear to be keen to bring McNulty back north of the border as they look to push on in the coming campaign.

For a similar reason, you can see why McNulty too would be keen on a return, given the ample opportunities and impressive record he enjoyed during his time at Easter Road last season, and missing out on that because the club who don't want him, want to get more money for him must be a strange situation to be in.

This could turn out to be something of a waiting game over the course of the next few weeks, and if no bid that matches Reading's valuation comes in, you wonder whether they may drop their asking price to one that proves to be suitable for Hibernian.