Hibs have been dealt a huge blow today, with the news that Wolves have turned down an undisclosed for Leigh Griffiths, and that there is no chance of a summer return to Easter Road.
28 goal Griffiths' loan deal at Easter Road is now up and he will return to Molineux for the new League One season.
The 22-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan in Edinburgh and scored 39 goals over the two loan spells.
A joint statement released by both Wolves chief Jez Moxley and Hibs Rod Petrie read:
Wolves and Hibernian today issued a joint statement following a face-to-face meeting last week between Wolves Chief Executive, Jez Moxey, and Hibernian Chairman, Rod Petrie.
The meeting had been arranged at Hibernian's request to discuss the future of Wolves player Leigh Griffiths who, last season, scored 28 goals in all competitions during his loan spell at Easter Road, culminating in a call up into the full Scottish national side for their recent World Cup qualification victory against Croatia.
Hibernian Chairman, Rod Petrie, said, "I wanted to come to Wolverhampton to meet Jez face-to-face to impress upon him the desire of Hibernian to acquire the services of Leigh Griffiths on a permanent basis. We had a cordial meeting and I put firm proposals on the table. However, these have been rejected outright. Reluctantly, we have to conclude that there is nothing further that can be done at this time to prise the player away from Wolves."
Jez Moxey, Wolves Chief Executive, said, "As we have previously stated, we took up the option to extend Leigh's contract for season 2013-14, towards the end of April, and this was acknowledged in writing by the player. Our new Head Coach, Kenny Jackett, is looking forward to working with Leigh who has been such a sensation in Scottish football during his time with Hibernian.
"There is no offer which can be made at this time that will change our minds. Leigh will be returning to Molineux and will play his part in our pre-season friendly matches. More importantly, we want Leigh to score goals or Wolves in League 1, just as he has done for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League, and hope he will help the team to success this coming season."
Both clubs agreed that the offer made by Hibernian should remain confidential between the parties. There are no plans for any further meetings.
Wolves also emphasised that they have no intention of selling the player on to any other club and that, importantly, in a conversation with Wolves Head of Football Development and Recruitment, Kevin Thelwell, Leigh confirmed that he is looking forward to coming back to Molineux and being given the opportunity to play under Kenny Jackett.