Bill Foley is set to be given the green light for his £6m investment into Hibernian.

The Scottish FA is close to formally providing the go-ahead for the American billionaire to purchase his minority stake in the Easter Road club.

SFA chiefs have been considering Hibs' case for the last six weeks, as they assessed the AFC Bournemouth owner's credentials. Owner Ian Gordon and chief executive Ben Kensell met with the SFA board at Hampden on December 14 to table Foley’s proposals.

However, it's believed that Scottish football's governing body is satisfied that the 79-year-old won't have any say or authority in the day-to-day running of the football club.

Foley's total share will amount to a little under 25 percent in Hibs. 

It's believed that Gordon and Kensell are hopeful they'll be able to make an official announcement of the deal next week.

When the deal goes through, it will signal a change of stance from the SFA over dual ownership from Article 13 of its rules and regulations.

The SFA made it clear last year that they would judge investment-shareholding proposals on a case-by-case basis - and Hibs managed to pass the test.

READ MORE: Hibs confirm safe standing section to be introduced at Easter Road

This will come as a huge boost to Hibs. Nick Montgomery will now be looking for the investment to help improve his first team squad both in the final days of the January window, and then the summer.

It's understood Foley's money will also be used to make improvements to the club's training facility at East Mains. Funds will be made available to upgrade aspects of Easter Road too.

Foley is hopeful of helping Hibs to become Scottish football's third force. He wants to see the club close the gap on Celtic and Rangers.

As well as owning Premier League side Bournemouth, he has a major stake in French Ligue 1 side Lorient and was recently granted a licence by Australia’s A-League for a team to compete next year.