Hibernian manager Jack Ross sounds as though he’s preparing to lose Celtic-linked Josh Doig and Kevin Nisbet this summer.
The Hoops have consistently been linked with both players in recent weeks. The interest in Doig stretches back to last season’s winter window, when it was reported by Sky Sports that Celtic were eyeing up a potential summer move.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, believes that Celtic also have their sights set on Nisbet. Granted, Hibs want as much as £4m for the centre-forward.
Easter Road boss Ross has been discussing both as well as Ryan Porteous. And, speaking to Sky Sports, he appeared to do anything but dish out a hands-off warning.
“We have still got them at the moment, they are still here training with me.
“Naturally I want to keep them but I am not naïve enough to not expect there to be either interest, or concrete interest. We just have to make sure that we are ready for that because there will come the right time for these players to move as well.
“Should the problem we don’t want arise, we have just got to find a solution to it.”
Hibernian will know Celtic speculation on Doig and Nisbet isn’t going away
It doesn’t appear as though Celtic have made a formal offer for either player. However, it’s something Hibs have clearly prepared for.
That doesn’t mean that they’ll be much easier to deal with of course. They’ll still be demanding top dollar for their best players, as they’re well entitled to. But it’s something Ross is clearly preparing for.
The Hibs boss may not know it, but he’s hardly scared potential suitors away. In fact, clubs could be enticed by the prospect that Hibs are ready to look for alternative solutions to their best players.
It won’t help the concerns of the Easter Road faithful that Celtic still have major gaps at left-back and up top. It’s two areas of the team we still need to strengthen before the end of the window.
Added to Nisbet’s reported £4m valuation, it’s previously been said that Hibs would look for £5m for Doig [Edinburgh Live]. There would almost certainly be wiggle room there, but that’s the base fees. £9m for both. A heavy valuation indeed.
Let’s see where the summer takes us. Ross, however, certainly won’t be scaring anyone away with his approach.
In other news: NEWCASTLE United supporters left furious after Celtic price them out of Kris Ajer move
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