Hibernian’s reported Florian Kamberi fee may leave Sunderland very frustrated

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League One giants Sunderland were reportedly willing to pay £1m-plus for Florian Kamberi but he is now staying with Scottish Premiership side Hibs

Despite suggestions that Hibernian’s attempts to sign Florian Kamberi on a permanent deal could be hijacked by clubs from south of the border, the Swiss striker has now moved to put an end to speculation by inking a permanent deal with the Edinburgh side.

23-year-old Kamberi moved to Hibs on loan from Grasshoppers in January and made a huge impression, scoring nine goals in just 14 Scottish Premiership appearances.

And this form caught the eye of Sunderland and their new manager Jack Ross, who will have known Kamberi from his time working in Scotland with St Mirren.

The Sunderland Echo reports that Ross had identified the 6ft 2ins front man as the ideal signing for the League One giants and it is understood that The Black Cats were prepared to pay a seven figure-sum to bring Kamberi to the Stadium of Light.

And Grasshoppers must now be kicking themselves.

Because the Daily Record reports that Kamberi, who the Swiss side valued at £1.7 million, has joined Hibs for a startling bargain fee of just £100,000, thanks to a purchase clause in the contract he signed when moving to Easter Road back in January.

This could be one of the signings of the summer if Kamberi can pick up where he left off. And Hibs’ brilliant deal has just left Sunderland and Grasshoppers a little red-faced.