Hibernian manager Lee Johnson accepts Kevin Nisbet could leave this summer with Championship duo Middlesbrough and Sheffield United keen on the Scotland international.
Any fears that Nisbet would not return the same player following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury have been emphatically and ruthlessly dispelled.
Nisbet, an old-school goal poacher, has scored 10 times in just 10 Scottish Premiership starts since returning to action. Clearly, he hasn’t lost those goalscoring instincts. Quite the opposite, in fact.
With one year left on his contract – and with clubs from south of the border sending scouts in their droves to Easter Road – Johnson’s message to Hibs supporters is a simple one.
Enjoy him while you can. Because he might not be here for much longer.
Will Middlesbrough or Sheffield United sign Kevin Nisbet?
“Well, I hope (he stays). You never know. Kevin is attracting a lot of interest, there’s no doubt about that,” the former Sunderland and Bristol City boss tells the Scottish Sun.
My challenge for Nizzy is go and (score) again on Saturday at St Johnstone. If he does do that, then he probably won’t be here (next season).
“Because someone will come in with a big bid we can’t turn down for someone who has a year left on his contract.”
Hibernian accepted a £2 million bid from Millwall in January; Nisbet turning down the move as he looked to regain his fitness in familiar surroundings. Bids of a similar size may also be considered this summer.
Middlesbrough and Sheffield United were reportedly watching on, meanwhile, as Nisbet scored the only goal of the game during Hibs’ 1-0 Edinburgh derby victory over Hearts last time out too.
Cameron Archer replacement?
Sheffield United look certain to be a Premier League side next season. But their top scorer, Iliman Ndiaye, has just 13 goals in 42 games. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, may need a replacement for Cameron Archer. The in-form frontman is on loan from Aston Villa and could have a part to play at his parent club next season, particularly if Unai Emery leads the Midland giants into European competition.
“Kev’s the kind of player who could go anywhere and score. He’s a born goalscorer,” former Celtic 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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