Hibs transfer news: Miguel Chaiwa stance laid out amid rejected bids for midfielder linked to Celtic move
No active offers for midfielder - but definite interest in Zambian international
Hibs have told potential suitors that they have no interest in selling Miguel Chaiwa this summer, despite the all-action midfielder continuing to attract significant interest from major clubs. And the Easter Road side have already demonstrated their resolve by knocking back two big-money offers for the Zambian international during the January transfer window, it is understood.
There are no active bids on the table for Chaiwa at the moment. But Hibs have received a number of serious inquiries about the 22-year-old, who has consistently been liked with Celtic, as well as a whole host of English clubs.
Bowie £7 million move set precedent
Anyone getting in touch has received the same message with regard to a player just one year into his time as a Hibs player. The club point to the fact that Chaiwa is under contract until 2028 – and cite the January sale of Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona, in a deal pushing towards the £7 million mark, as an indication of their willingness to hold out for serious cash.
Bowie was only sold on after repeated and persistent approaches from Verona, with Hibs eventually deciding that they would be unlikely to receive a bigger bid by holding onto the Scotland striker – meaning it made sense to do a deal. The same principle applies to other prized assets, with the backing of the Gordon family meaning there is no need to sell, despite the club posting paper losses in recent seasons.
Zambian international Chaiwa caught the eye in his first year in Scottish football, the former Young Boys midfielder impressing with his athleticism and running power, as well as his improving game intelligence. He scored against Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Conference League and particularly impressed as Hibs beat Celtic at Celtic Park for the first time in 16 years.
Mulligan a target for clubs
Josh Mulligan also continues to attract serious interest just a year into his contract, with Southampton the latest club mentioned in despatches. The 23-year-old Scotland hopeful is under contract until 2029, meaning it could take a record-breaking bid to prise him away from Hibs.
David Gray’s men have been active in the early part of the transfer window, signing former St Johnstone central defender Jason Kerr – and closing in on a deal for free agent midfielder Callum Wright. Both spent last season at Wigan Athletic.
The arrival of Kerr, who won a Scottish Cup and League Cup Double during his time in Perth, as a free agent helps Hibs cover for the long-term injury sustained by Rocky Bushiri on the final day of last season. They remain in the market for another central defender to bolster the back line.
Gray is also keen on adding a striker to the squad, looking to boost a group including Aussie pair Martin Boyle, Ante Suto, club record signing Thibault Klidje and Republic of Ireland hopeful Owen Elding – another player generating market buzz just half a season into his time with Hibs. The Edinburgh club play their first pre-season friendly away to Shamrock Rovers in Dublin next Tuesday night, with games against Cliftonville, Porto and Brondby to follow before the competitive action begins away to either FK Vllaznia or KF Malisheva in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie on Thursday, July 23.