Dan Barlaser who made 37 appearances for Hibs on loan from Middlesbrough last season has signed for Milton Keynes Dons subject to EFL and FA clearance.
The 29-year-old defensive midfielder joined the Dons after his contract at the Riverside expired.
David Gray held talks with the player with a view to a permanent transfer but he decided to return down south.
He previously played for Dons’ boss Paul Warne and that had a big impact on his decision.
He told the club media: “Delighted to be here. I played my best football under him. We’ve had a lot of success together, so you put those two things together, it was a no-brainer for me, really. I was as fit as I’ve ever been under him because he loves people who are fit, so it was just the right fit for me. The stadium’s unbelievable, facilities are unbelievable.
“I think I’ve played against the majority of the lads who are here. Last year they did so well in getting promoted. You just need to try and take that confidence obviously into League One. Looking at the squad as well. I think there’s already a lot of players who’ve got good experience in League One, so you’ve got to be looking to hopefully get promotion again, in my opinion.
“If you’re looking at the squad, you’ve got a lot of players who have played Championship, obviously Premier League as well, so we’ve got a lot of good experience for League One with players who’ve got promotion from League One, so that’s what you need. I’ll give 100%. No matter how it’s going, I’ll always want the ball, I’ll never hide. I’ll always try and think forward and get it to the players who really excite them.”
Head Coach Warne said: “He’s a player that I’ve worked with before and had promotions with. He’s also a really good kid, really motivated and brilliant in the dressing room.
“He’s a very good footballer, great on set pieces, has a brilliant range of passing and he’s always looking to play forward, so he’s a good addition to our midfield options already.
“We’ve got a really strong midfield, I know Dan has played with Ben Wiles before as well, so he’ll know people in the dressing room already, so it should be an easy fit.
“He’s obviously worked with me and Richie Barker before too, so it was an easy sell from both sides, I’m really pleased with him.”
MK Dons Sporting Director Liam Sweeting added: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring Dan to MK Dons. He was one of our main targets during this transfer window, so to get the deal completed is really pleasing for everyone at the football club.
“Dan is a player with superb pedigree at this level. Winning promotion from League One demonstrates the quality, mentality and character he brings to a dressing room.
“Just as importantly, he knows exactly what it takes to succeed in a Paul Warne team, and that understanding will be invaluable as we continue to build the squad.
“Throughout our conversations, Dan really bought into what we’re trying to achieve here. He believes in the project, he shares our ambition for the football club, and he’s excited by the direction we’re heading in.
“Bringing in players who genuinely want to be part of that journey is very important to us.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the impact he’ll make both on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted to welcome him to MK Dons.”
