Former Hibernian ace Tam McManus believes the Scottish Premiership outfit may struggle to keep Josh Doig out of the clutches of Leicester City, as he told the Daily Record.
If the Foxes were hoping to ensure their interest in the talented young left-back stayed under wraps, it’s fair to say Ron Gordon removed himself from Brendan Rodgers’ Christmas card list earlier this month.
In quotes reported by the Sun, the Hibs chairman confirmed that Leicester were interested in bringing Doig to the King Power.
Talk about letting the cat out of the bag.
“I’m excited Brendan Rodgers is interested in him,” Gordon said. “For a kid like Josh, the ability to play for a team like Leicester City is something we have to be behind and encourage.”
This does not mean, of course, that Hibernian are planning to sell arguably the most exciting teenager in the league at the earliest opportunity.
Doig, who has also been linked with Arsenal, Celtic, Leeds and Manchester City, signed a new, five-year contract only a few weeks ago.
Nonetheless, McManus fears that Hibs will still be powerless to prevent the departure of their Edinburgh-born academy graduate if one of the Premier League’s big hitters steps up their interest.
“(Doig) was excellent again on Sunday (in the 4-0 thrashing of Stranraer). I think he is the most valuable asset at Hibs,” McManus said.
“He’s been linked with Leicester and a few others and if a club like that come in and offer a few million for him, then it would be hard to knock back.”
McManus does have an idea, however, which he feels would benefit everyone.
Leicester, in his view, should allow Doig to continue his development at Easter Road – and potentially play European football under Jack Ross in 2021/22 – before he joins up with Rodgers’ squad south of the border.
“What could make it work would be if Hibs could get him loaned back for a season. Let him continue to play, develop and experience European football,” McManus added.
“That would be a win-win for everyone. There’s no doubt he is going to go to a big, big club.”
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