Hibs keen on Ross McCrorie - but player's preference is for permanent move away from Rangers

22-year-old expected to leave Ibrox

Ross McCrorie is currently contracted to Rangers.

Hibs have stepped up their interest in Rangers player Ross McCrorie as head coach Jack Ross looks to beef up his options in midfield.

The 22-year-old Scot, who is out of the first-team picture at Ibrox, spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and while he has undertaken pre-season at Rangers and is part of the squad for their Europa League tie away at Leverkusen on Thursday night, he is behind others in the pecking order.

Hibs are hopeful of doing a deal for McCrorie, who is also being monitored by clubs in England, but the Evening News understands that the player would prefer a permanent move away from Rangers rather than another loan and he is open to the prospect of joining Hibs.

The transfer fee received by the Hibees for striker Florian Kamberi, who is expected to tie up the formalities of his move to Swiss side St Gallen today, will boost Ross’ transfer kitty and could be put towards a deal for McCrorie.

Born in Dailly, South Ayrshire, and brother to goalkeeper Robby, who is currently on loan at Livingston, McCrorie has been capped 16 times by Scotland Under-21s and has played nearly 50 times for the Gers, as well as loan spells at Ayr, Dumbarton and Portsmouth.

His main position is defensive midfield, but he can also fill in at centre-half and at right-back.

Docherty position

Hibs are also thought to retain an interest in McCrorie’s Gers team-mate Greg Docherty.

The former Hamilton man caught the eye with some strong showings in midfield after joining on loan in January as part of the deal that saw Kamberi sign a six-month loan with Rangers.

However, the 23-year-old is believed to have suitors south of the Border as well.

He impressed during a season-long loan spell with Shrewsbury Town during the 2018/19 season, and could feel his future lies in England.

Midfield numbers

Reports earlier this week also suggested Hibs had enquired about the availability of Barnsley defensive midfielder Toby Sibbick, who joined Hearts on loan during the winter transfer window, prior to his loan move to Oostende in Belgium.

Four players capable of operating in central midfield left the club over the summer as Docherty and Stephane Omeonga returned to their parent clubs and Vykintas Slivka and Steven Whittaker moved on at the end of their contracts.

Alex Gogic was brought in earlier this summer to add some steel, but it appears Hibs’ recruitment team is still working to bolster options in the middle of the park.