Nectar Triantis a target for Scottish side Hibernian

Hibs have been pushing to sign the 20-year-old Australian centre-half since the beginning of the January transfer window, with the view of completing a loan deal until the end of the season.

Injuries to Sunderland's defensive line have delayed a move north of the border, with Michael Beale short of options at the back.

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The absence of Aji Alese, Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin's has forced Beale's hand into a reshuffling at the back, with Trai Hume shifting over to left-back and Jenson Seelt coming in at right-back.

However, the arrival of Leo Hjelde from Leeds United has strengthened Sunderland's options, both at left-back and in the heart of defence, freeing up Triantis to continue his development on loan with Hibs.

The Australian, who has made three senior appearances for Sunderland since his move from the Central Coast Mariners in the summer, has also been a regular for Sunderland's U21 side this season, adapting to the English game following his summer switch.

Triantis is expected to link up with former Mariners boss Nick Montgomery at Easter Road, someone he knows well having made 26 appearances in the Coasties' A-League title winning campaign in 2023.

Montgomery was appointed head coach at Hibs in September 2023, following the departure of former Sunderland boss Lee Johnson, and was full of praise for Triantis prior to his move to Easter Road.

“Whilst we are obviously sad to be losing Nectar, we are so happy for him to be given this opportunity to join such a fantastic club like Sunderland," Montgomery said after Triantis' departure from the Mariners back in June 2023.

"We would never hold him back from a move like this as he deserves it. Their fans are amazing and it’s a massive club. I have no doubt with time he will become a fan favourite for them. He is a wonderful young man who has developed rapidly in 12 months and played a vital role in helping us win the championship this season.”

“When we lost Kye Rowles last season we needed someone to fill big shoes and Nectar certainly did that. It’s now time for him to make us all proud and I have no doubt he can be representing the Socceroos at the next World Cup.”