Pars show interest in departing Hibs duo

Dunfermline could make summer moves for Hibernian duo Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson.

The Pars are expected to be keen to throw their hat into the ring for the pair, who are poised to leave Easter Road.

The capital outfit announced the pair would not be offered new deals when their current ones expire at the end of this season.

That has alerted suitors attracted by the wealth of experience either player would bring.

The Fifers are certain to face stiff opposition if they do firm up offers, with Championship rivals – including Raith Rovers – and some Premiership sides likely to be interested.

Dunfermline boss James McPake is an exteam-mate of both and is a known admirer of his former colleagues.

It is understood Hanlon was a possible loan target in the January transfer window but Hibs did not want to allow the central defender to depart at that stage.

The 34-year-old has spent his whole career with his boyhood heroes,

apart from a short, threegame loan spell at St Johnstone in 2008-09.

The Scotland cap has found himself on the fringes of the Hibs first team this term, but has still made 27 appearances, including 18 in the Premiership and six in European football.

Stevenson has also been ousted from his regular left-back slot this season in his 19th campaign with the club.

The 36-year-old leftback made his 599th appearance for Hibs in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Ross County and is fourth on the club’s alltime appearance list.

Hanlon is in fifth place with 562 outings.

With interest expected in Pars wing-back Josh Edwards from English clubs during the closeseason, Stevenson could be the ideal replacement if one is needed.

Lewis Stevenson.