Report: Hibernian eyeing deal for Chris Maxwell

From a starting role to a forgotten man, Chris Maxwell’s time at Preston is really petering out.

The 28-year-old quickly displaced Anders Lindergaard as North End’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2016, impressing many with his sweeper-keeper ability. Hell, he even earned the nickname Maxwell Neuer as a result.

Maxwell kept his spot for much of Alex Neil’s first season, but seemed to hit a breaking point in April 2018. He allowed a Tom Lawrence free kick to slip through his fingers, meaning we lost 1-0 to Derby County – and that result is pinpointed by many as the one which kept North End out of the playoffs.

Maxwell has never really recovered, losing his spot to Declan Rudd. He had a mini-resurgence September and October of 2018, but he killed his momentum shortly after. A sending off at Ipswich Town – for two yellow cards – was his last game for North End as things stand.

The Welshman was sent out to Charlton Athletic in January but failed to make a single appearance. After failing to displace Dillon Phillips, Maxwell heads back to Deepdale this summer.

It may not be for long though. The Daily Record now report that Hibernian want to take Maxwell on loan, with boss Paul Heckingbottom allegedly a fan.

Hibs have concerns about Ofir Marciano’s future, and with Adam Bogdan’s loan over, a goalkeeper is needed. Maxwell’s experience seemingly ticks the boxes for Heckingbottom, and he’ll pursue a season-long loan deal this summer.

North End are unlikely to stand in Maxwell’s way, probably even encouraging him to move on. Maxwell has no future at Deepdale under Neil, and with one year left on his deal, he’ll seemingly leave in the coming months.

A move to Easter Road would see Maxwell reunite with ex-Preston winger Daryl Horgan, whilst ex-North End full back David Gray is also featuring for the Edinburgh club.