Revealed: Why Hibs would be keen on 'Dwight Gayle-type' former England striker amid ex-Liverpool man link
Free agent doesn’t need to be signed today - but Hibs still open to more business before 5 pm cut-off
Hibs feel the signing of veteran striker Danny Ings could deliver the Easter Road club another Dwight Gayle in terms of on-field and off-field impact, with the former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Southampton forward being considered as a potential signing. But the former England international’s free agent status means there is no need to rush through a Deadline Day deal.
Like Gayle, whose list of big on-field contributions included a memorable Edinburgh derby winner at Tynecastle, Ings is seen as a player still capable of making a contribution in the most important games. And the 34-year-old, who made 23 appearances for Sheffield United last season, would also be expected to play the role of experienced mentor to younger players in the first-team dressing room at East Mains - IF a deal gets done once more pressing business has been concluded.
Veteran forward scored winner against Hearts in Gorgie
The former England international, who won three full caps for his country, is available after the Blades failed to take up the second-year option on his two-year contract at the end of last season.
Ings did appear to be on the brink of signing for Leicester City, who have just raided Hibs for centre-half Warren O’Hora, earlier this summer. But that deal fell through amid reports of a failed medical.
Proven Premier League scorer
The forward boasts a remarkable record at the highest level, having scored 72 goals in 240 Premier League experiences. The majority of his career was spent in England’s top flight.
He’s also accumulated over a century of appearances in the EFL Championship, as well as spending a stint in League One. The fact that he’s scored in competitions up to and including the Champions League speaks to his quality, at least at the peak of his career.
Hibs have been looking at recruiting another striker to add to their forward line. And gaffer David Gray has been open to the idea of bringing an older player with a lifetime of experience to pass onto the likes of Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe, both still just 20.
The Edinburgh club, who are about to announce the departure of long-serving homegrown talent Josh Campbell on loan to St Johnstone for the final year of his contract, are still open to getting more business done before the 5 pm cut-off - but only if they can land the right target.