Hibs boss Jack Ross responds to Kevin Nisbet Sheffield United transfer speculation and offers update on Joe Newell new contract

Hibs manager Jack Ross says he would be surprised if his star men are not turning heads, but claims that suitors will have to come up with something special to convince both club and player that a parting of the ways is the smart move at this time.
Hibs manager Jack Ross is hoping he can hold on to Kevin Nisbet (left) and Joe Newell when the transfer window opens on Friday. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS GroupHibs manager Jack Ross is hoping he can hold on to Kevin Nisbet (left) and Joe Newell when the transfer window opens on Friday. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group
Hibs manager Jack Ross is hoping he can hold on to Kevin Nisbet (left) and Joe Newell when the transfer window opens on Friday. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group

The Easter Road boss spoke in response to speculation linking Sheffield United with a move for top scorer Kevin Nisbet, who joined the Capital club from Dunfermline in the summer and has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances.

“It goes with the territory when you are having a good season, you accept teams looking at your players,” said Ross. “I would be amazed if people don’t look.

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“But I wouldn’t want to lose him, full stop, and I would expect that, for those in senior management, it would need to be something that would turn their heads because we have to balance it out with what he has contributed and the value he gives us on the pitch. The goals he has scored, the level of performances.

“I think when you feel like you are building something that so far has produced but you think can be even better, then you don’t want to disrupt that. But, experience has taught me it can happen. The good thing is our stability as a club means there is no real pressure on us to do that. There may come a time in the future when the club has a decision to make. For the moment I don’t think we want to disrupt what we have, but strengthen it.”

But, while Nisbet is tied up on a four-year deal, star man Joe Newell’s contract is due to expire in the summer, making the influential midfielder an obvious target. Ross remains hopeful of extending his stay.

“I have a good relationship with Joe,” said Ross. “He loves his football and speaking about it. He is in a good place and enjoying where and how he is playing. We put trust in him and the dialogue we have had to date is positive and we are moving in the right direction.

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“For the short term it is about him continuing that consistency and us giving him support and confidence and if we keep doing that I am sure we can sort something.”

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