Neil Lennon comments on Nottingham Forest target John McGinn’s future

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Nottingham Forest tried to sign John McGinn from Hibernian in the summer transfer window.

Hibernian boss Neil Lennon has told BBC Sport that he believes it is inevitable that he will have to fend off interest in John McGinn in January.

McGinn has been heavily lined with Nottingham Forest in recent times, but Hibs have slapped a £5 million asking price on the Scotland international, according to the Nottingham Post.

Forest had a bid rejected for McGinn in the summer transfer window, and could return for the 23-year-old in the new year.

But Lennon insists that he will not allow any of Hibs’ key players to leave on the cheap.

He said: “I think it’s inevitable the way they have been playing there’s going to be interest for one or two players.

“I don’t want to look too far ahead, but we’re prepared for any eventuality.

“We will maintain that the players aren’t for sale unless we get the figure that’s right for us and the club’s been pretty strong on that and that’s pleased me.”

Forest have already been successful buying from the Scottish market since Mark Warburton arrived, with Barrie McKay making a brilliant impression at the City Ground.

McKay joined Forest from Rangers during the summer transfer window, and has gone on to play in important role in the Reds’ first-team.

The skilful wide man has scored four goals and claimed seven assists in Forest’s Championship matches to date.

If Warburton did sign McGinn, the Hibs man would be under pressure to have a similar impact, especially if he cost such a high price.