THE business tycoon named as the man most likely to be the next owner of Hibernian first ex-pressed an interest in a takeover bid the day the club was relegated to the First Division at the end of last season, it emerged last night.

Mr Brian Kennedy, who made his fortune with the Weatherseal windows and home furnishings company, has been described as the man who is currently in the best position to buy Hibs from Kwik-Fit multi-millionaire Sir Tom Farmer, whose own takeover rescued the club from liquidation.

A club insider said last night: ''Brian Kennedy contacted one of our people the day we were relegated and asked if Sir Tom was serious when he says that he wants to sell the club, and that effectively got the ball rolling. Brian then contacted Sir Tom through his accountant's firm Arthur Andersen and talks were held last week.''

Mr Kennedy has been described as the man most likely to take Hibs, the value of which is believed to be less than the estimated total #10m debt of the club and its separate stadium development company, ahead of property developer Mr Brendan Murphy. However, according to the club insider, there is scope for both businessmen to become involved in the takeover in some capacity, although the two have no known current business ties.

Mr Murphy, who also has connections with Blackburn Rovers, was involved in the stadium development at Chelsea and has a reputation for encouraging invest- ment in businesses like football clubs. Both have been described as valid players in the market for the club.

The insider went on: ''I have no doubt that, although initial talks between the club and Mr Murphy did not appear to be too fruitful for whatever reason, if Brian was to buy Hibs then he (Mr Murphy) would become interested again, and that might not be a bad thing for the club. I believe the two men have now actually spoken to each other, but they didn't know each other in advance of this.''

The move has been backed down the line by pressure group Hands on Hibs, who take the credit for introducing at least one of the interested parties. Spokesman Brian Monteith said: ''Naturally we had hoped that somebody of the calibre of Kennedy might be able to pull a deal off. I've spoken to him at length about the situation at Easter Road and he impressed me as somebody who is passionate about the club.''

The club insider added: ''There have been a number of names mentioned in connection with the sell-off but Brian Kennedy and Brendan Murphy are the two who seem to have stood out because they wield the financial clout that Sir Tom has said would be needed for a successful takeover of the club.''

The move was also welcomed by fans at the Hibs Supporters Club yesterday. Club general secretary Bill Alcorn said: ''I don't think Sir Tom would sell out to anybody who can't guarantee the future of Hibs at Easter Road.''

Mr Kennedy, who has his business and home bases in Cheshire, is a dedicated Hibs supporter. He presented his proposal to Sir Tom in Edinburgh last week. Yesterday, neither was available to comment on the meeting. Mr Murphy is also known to have had at least one meeting with club officials including chairman Tom O'Malley in recent weeks.

No-one at the club, which recently moved to quash rumours of any immediate flotation, was available for comment last night.