The Rangers winger looks set to make the switch to Easter Road.
The paper say that the Ibrox prospect was ready to join Dutch second-tier side NAC Breda before Paul Heckingbottom and Hibs showed late interest and hijacked the move.
It’s a transfer twist that’s pretty unusual.
You don’t often see Rangers send players to Hibs on loan, traditionally one of their big Scottish rivals.
However, it’s one that makes sense for a number of reasons.
Middleton was one of the exciting success stories for the Gers in the first half of last season, unexpectedly bursting into the first-team and getting plenty of action under Steven Gerrard.
He featured in all six group games of the UEFA Europa League, part of 25 appearances in total prior to January.
During that period he scored five goals and assisted five more, proving to be an effective talent on top form while naturally a little inconsistent.
As Rangers transitioned towards a trophy chase in the second half of the season Middleton was rarely seen, apparently demoted to the Reserves side during the winter break.
He made just three appearances between January and May, all of which came from the bench.
The point is, he needs that regular action to develop as a player. Although still just 19, he’s had a taste of senior football and anything that isn’t that will be a regression.
For the player, a move to another Scottish Premiership team is the perfect opportunity to show Gerrard he deserves a spot in his Rangers squad.
For Rangers, they obviously get to see one of their talents progress up close against familiar opponents, preferable to a foreign move.
They also strengthen one of their division rivals when Hibs play other teams, such as Celtic or Aberdeen, with the player unavailable for matches against the Gers.
Hibs meanwhile are getting a player who has already shown potential in the Rangers team. Middleton is a player who not only has a bit of Scottish Premiership and European experience, but something to prove.
That hunger, as well as his ability and the chance to develop further, could make this a very beneficial loan move for all parties.
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