Wednesday 6 January 2016 16:42, UK
Hibernian have completed the signing of Norwegian defender Niklas Gunnarsson, who has agreed a loan deal until the end of the season.
Hibs have an option of making the deal permanent for a player who has been capped at U23 level by Norway. He had been playing with Valerenga in his homeland but latterly he was on loan with Swedish outfit Elfsborg.
Manager Alan Stubbs told the Evening News: "We've been tracking Niklas for a while now, for at least the last three months but, over the last three weeks, we've been in the position to do something and I'm delighted.
"He's a big lad. There's a really good shape about him. He's athletic and the fact he can play across the back line is an added bonus. He's comfortable on the ball, good in one-on-one situations and athletic. He fits the bill of what we are looking to bring to the football club."
Gunnarsson told the club's website: "I am very pleased to have signed and am looking forward to getting started. I know the team are in good form this season and hopefully I will be able to make the team and help us win promotion.
"I've been impressed with everything I've seen so far, from the city to the stadium and training centre, and am sure I will enjoy my time at Hibs."
Following the arrival of Chris Dagnall, the former Leyton Orient striker, Gunnarsson becomes the second new arrival at Easter Road this month.
Stubbs hopes to be able to add the two new faces to his squad for the weekend Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers.
He said: "As long as there's no spanner in the works, and I don't see any problems in registering Niklas, then they'll both be in contention. We had two targets we wanted, a striker and a defender, and we've been able to bring both in. I'm very thankful to everybody at the club for allowing me to do that."
Asked if that would be an end to his January recruitment, Stubbs said: "There's still 27 days to go, we'll have to wait and see what happens."
