Hibs likely to miss out on striker target as Dundee United make six-figure move

Kevin Nisbet is in demand with interest in the Dunfermline Athletic ace north and south of the border

Hibs are set to miss out on Dunfermline Athletic striker Kevin Nibset as interested clubs up the ante.

The 23-year-old has been a reported target for the Easter Road side after they made a move for him in January.

However, due to the financial concerns which chairman Ron Gordon revealed to the club’s fans on Monday Hibs are unlikely to be in a position to bring in Nisbet.

Dundee United have made their move for Kevin Nisbet. Picture: SNS

Gordon said: “We must now focus our limited resources on our core business – and that is supporting our first team to deliver success on the pitch. That is what we are here to do. This scaling back will have an impact on our people, and we enter into a period of consultation with them to discuss the potential impact on them.”

Discussions have taken place with players over wage cuts, while it has been reported a trio of coaches could exit the club.

Dunfermline understandably value Nisbet highly, coming off a season in the Championship where he hit 18 goals in 25 matches, and 23 in 32 games in all competition.

According to The Courier, Dundee United have already made a bid, although it is seen as well below what the Pars are looking for.

There is also confirmed interest from England with League One duo Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town keeping an eye on developments.

Dunfermline chairman Ross McArthur said recently: “Unless we get far value for him, he’ll just stay. I’ve no doubt Kevin will go on to bigger and better things, but there’s interest down south as well and if clubs in Scotland think they might come in and get him for a cheap price because of coronavirus or whatever else, we’re not in a position where we need to sell.

“So, unless we got a price where we thought it was at a level where we couldn’t turn it down then nothing will happen.”