Hibernian are delighted to confirm the signing of Swedish midfielder Melker Hallberg.

The 23-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at Easter Road and will take on the number five shirt.

Melker kicked off his career in the youth ranks at Kalmar FF and made his first-team debut at just 16 years old before moving to Serie A side Udinese at 18.

While the box-to-box talent was restricted to a handful of senior appearances, he benefited from the experience and impressed in subsequent loan spells with Norwegian outfit Valerenga and Hammarby,

Denmark was his next port of call with a permanent contract at Vejle Boldklu until he took the decision to move to Easter Road for the next stage of his development.

Melker has also featured for the Swedish national team at all age levels up to Under-21s.

On the cusp of a full breakthrough, he has featured for the Swedish B team on three occasions.

Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom said: “Melker is a young player who has a lot of attributes and potential.

“He is comfortable on the ball, plays with a lot of energy and is tactically very good.

“His pedigree speaks for itself and we were impressed by his determination to come here ahead of offers elsewhere.”

Melker added: “I’m really excited to have signed for Hibernian. I think it’s the perfect place for me to enjoy my football and develop as a player.

“I had other options but they made me feel really wanted and it helps to know they have been looking at me for some time.

“From what I have seen I think I will be well suited to Scottish football and I like the passion of the supporters. I’m just looking forward to getting started now.”

You can watch Melker's first interview as a Hibee here.