It has been revealed today that FIVE different consortium groups are in the running to make takeover bids for Hibs.
Forever Hibernian, lead by ex Hibs midfielder Paul Kane, have been in talks with Hibs owner Tom Farmer for a numer of weeks.
The group is backed by wealthy Hibs supporters in the business community and club legends, who are looking to buy 49% of the club, and have a fan ownership model, that would see the support own the other 51%.
The other group that has only come to light today is led by former Hibs chairman Malcolm McPherson, who left the club in 2002 after a boardroom bust-up.
His group includes Ralph Lynch, son of former Celtic nation supremo Frank, aswell as financial analyst David Low, who was a main player in the arrival of Fergus McCann at Celtic back in the 90's.
According to reports today, McPherson's consortium have tabled a £3.5m offer for the club.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Low said:
“I have made an offer for Hibernian Football Club on behalf of a group of investors,” Low told the Daily Mail.
“We were encouraged to make an offer by Mr Petrie, we made an offer to Mr Petrie and we have met his nominated advisors for discussions. Beyond that, the ball is now in their court.”
The other three consortiums are, at this minute, unknown, but there has been rumours swirling round Edinburgh over the summer that an American consortium was very interested in buying the club, could they be one of the three?
There was even one report from Spain that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was interested, a notion quickly dispelled by a club spokesperson.
Hibs owner Sir Tom Farmer has always let it be known that he would be open to offers for the club, but having stepped in and saved the club 23 years ago, he would only sell to someone with the clubs best interests at heart.
A club spokesman said today:
"The principal shareholder's position has remained unchanged for 23 years. In the two months since relegation a number of people have expressed views about the club. There are NO offers being actively pursued by the club or by the owners."