Kevin Nisbet latest: Hibs striker appeals directly to Ron Gordon as St Johnstone forward Callum Hendry emerges as target
Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet’s move to English Championship outfit Birmingham City could be revived after he handed in a transfer request to the Easter Road club.
It is understood the 23-year-old they brought to the club for £250,000 in the summer was unhappy after Hibs turned down a near-£3million bid from The Blues. And, having been denied his big-money move to the English second tier and feeling backed into a corner, the 23-year-old appealed directly with club owner Ron Gordon and made him aware of his desire to move on.
Nisbet, who trained with Hibs this morning, is the Leith side’s top-scorer, netting 13 goals in 30 appearances and although they had been holding out for a higher fee, it is believed that they will now try to facilitate a switch before the transfer window closes tonight.
Birmingham had been ready to walk away from the deal, having submitted what they felt was a reasonable offer. That sum was an increase on the initial bid, which had been described by manager Jack Ross as “sensible” and “respectful”. The club hierarchy had held out for more, though.
That tactic has back-fired, with Nisbet now looking like he could get his move, but the delay means Hibs will have even less time to bring in a replacement.
At Hibs’ end, there has been interest in St Johnstone striker Callum Hendry.
Perth boss Callum Davidson has said he would be willing to agree a loan deal for the 23-year-old son of Scotland defender Colin.
A product of the Blackburn Rovers youth system, he has made 22 appearances for Saints this term, but Hibs are not the only club to make enquiries.
Aberdeen had been keen but the signing of Scotland Under-21 striker Fraser Hornby, on loan from French side Stade de Reims until the summer, has seen them take a backseat. However, St Mirren and Dundee remain in the hunt.
The Leith side are expected to lose midfielder Stevie Mallan, with his loan move – with an option to buy this summer – to Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor until the end of the season nearing completion.