SOCCEROOS striker Jamie Maclaren is ‘very close’ to re-joining Scottish side Hibernian according to head coach Neil Lennon.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Hibs in the second half of last season, where he netted eight goals in just 15 matches – earning him a call up to the Australian squad for the World Cup.

Maclaren returned to parent club Darmstadt, who play in the 2 Bundesliga, and has two years remaining on his deal, but appears set to make his switch to Scotland permanent.

More good news, Hibs fans. Neil Lennon tells BBC Scotland Jamie Maclaren is "very close" to agreeing a return to Easter Road.



Full story: https://t.co/EQAf5b0ma3 pic.twitter.com/ymtzvzyGj7 — BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) August 2, 2018

“Jamie, very close. Close enough,” Hibs boss Lennon told BBC Scotland after the club drew 1-1 with Greek side Asteras Tripolis in Europa League qualifying.

“That’d be another body in, another forward, and take the pressure off Florian Kamberi and Martin Boyle.”

The former Brisbane Roar striker was linked with a return to the A-League earlier this week, as Football Nation Radio reported he was in negotiations with Melbourne Victory.

But it appears the front man, who failed to see a single minute of action in Russia, is set to seal a lucrative move back to Hibs.

The Scottish Premier League begins this weekend, with Hibernian hosting Motherwell on Monday morning AEST.