Hibs' head of football operations Graeme Mathie has put an end to speculation linking him with a potential move to Rangers after signing on to become the Easter Road club's first-ever Sporting Director.

Mathie had been linked with a possible move to Ibrox and Kilmarnock in recent months with Ross Wilson ready to take over as Gers' new Sporting Director.

However Hibs managed to tie him down and have announced that he'll now take over from George Craig.

Mathie told the club website: "This is a role that I am hugely excited about and I understand and relish the responsibility to help deliver success for this great club.

“I have to thank Ron, Leeann and the board for this opportunity.  

"I am enthused by the vision that Ron and Leeann and others are working on for this club. I’m excited by the possibilities here and will do everything I can as part of the team to help bring about the success our supporters deserve."

Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom expects recruitment guru Graeme Mathie to stay at Easter Road amid Rangers interest

Mathie will officially begin his new role on January 1, 2020.

We told previously how Rangers and Killie were both interested in attracting Mathie away from Easter Road.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom even went so far as to confirm interest from Kilmarnock but refused to be drawn on Rangers speculation.

More follows.