Championship duo Middlesbrough and Sheffield United scouted Saturday’s Edinburgh Derby clash between Hearts and Hibernian in an indication that Kevin Nisbet is back in high demand.
That is according to the Scottish Sun; one of the most coveted talents north of the border – well, outside of the Old Firm of course – once again attracting interest from the other side of Hadrian’s Wall ahead of the summer transfer window.
Nisbet turned down a January move to Millwall despite the Londoners agreeing a £2 million fee, say to BBC Sport. Perhaps the Scotland international had reservations about changing scenery mid-campaign, without the benefit of a full pre-season to get used to life in his new stomping ground.
Furthermore, he had only recently recovered from a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.
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Now, with Nisbet rediscovering his pre-injury form, even the most optimistic Hibs supporter will probably acknowledge that lightning is unlikely to strike twice. Millwall, the Scottish Sun say, could renew their interest.
Middlesbrough and Sheffield United – who could both be playing Premier League football in 2023/24 – also had scouts at Easter Road as Nisbet popped up with a dramatic derby winner; his tenth goal in just ten starts since returning to the pitch.
An old-school goal poacher who was once a target for Steven Gerrard at Rangers; Nisbet could potentially replace Aston Villa loanee Cameron Archer at Michael Carrick’s Boro.
And Sheffield United, for all their strengths, are arguably lacking when it comes to a reliable number nine. Iliman Ndiaye is the Blades top scorer this term with a relatively middling 13 Championship goals.
“Kev’s the kind of player who could go anywhere, not just Celtic, and score. He’s a born goalscorer,” former Hoops academy team-mate Kieran Tierney tells The Sun of Nisbet.
“I was playing in the younger age groups with him. He was always the top goalscorer for us. One season, he had over 100 goals.
“I know it’s different when you’re younger. But you still don’t score 100 goals if you are not a natural goalscorer. So he could easily score goals at any level, I’ve no doubt about that.”
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